WASTECOSMART “Optimization of Intergrated Solid Waste Management Strategies for the Maximization of Resource Efficiency”

Neapolis University participated in the European project WASTECOSMART – Optimization of Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategies for the Maximization of Resource Efficiency since September 2013.

The optimization of integrated waste management is a key challenge for many European regions. It requires the formulation of comprehensive waste management strategies, the assessment of research and innovation needs and informed decision-making with regard to the choice of policies, processes and technologies suitable for specific regional circumstances.

WASTECOSMART’s overall objective is to strengthen and increase the innovation capacity of regional research-driven clusters in resource efficiency through cooperation, research and technological development within the waste sector.

For the project, six research-driven triple helix clusters (science, industry and public sector) have been formed in Paphos (CY), Central Hungary, Piedmont (IT), Amsterdam (NL), Stockholm (SE) and Liverpool City Region (UK).

WASTECOSMART also collaborates with international partners from Brazil, Mexico and India to promote international collaboration and opportunities in waste management.

The WASTECOSMART partners joined forces to:

• Foster and promote transnational cooperation of research-driven waste management clusters;
• Develop a Decision Support Framework supporting the formulation of waste management strategies;
• Assess regional research and innovation needs in the waste management sector;
• Elaborate a Joint Action Plan (JAP) and regional research agendas according to needs of each individual regional cluster;
• Set measures towards the implementation of the JAP in each region;
• Support less developed regions in waste management and unlock business opportunities in international markets.

On the two day meeting in Liverpool, the partners involved had the chance to discuss the main challenges in their regions, present a short summary of reactions from the regions, choices made in making the integrated evaluation framework, and present the alternatives and the use of the DSF in Amsterdam, Liverpool and Stockholm.

Additionally since Neapolis University was the Work Package 3 leader, the deliverables of work package 3 were presented to all partners as well as the action plan of NEAPOLIS ECO CITY PROJECT.

The partners had the chance to visit the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility), and Bulky Bob’s / Furniture Resource Centre facilities in Liverpool.

Neapolis University was represented by Iliana Keli-Georgiou, Legal Advisor and Administration Officer of the E.U Projects Committee.