The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is set to launch the Knowledge and Innovation Covenant (KIC) call titled “Collaborative Business Models for a Circular Economy” in December. The initiative will provide a total funding ceiling of €7 million, focusing on advancing research into how collaborative business models can strengthen circular partnerships. These models aim to ensure an equitable and future-proof distribution of investments, risks, and returns among diverse stakeholders.
The call seeks to explore how organizations and companies can develop sustainable partnerships that create value beyond financial profit—emphasizing areas such as environmental impact, social innovation, and long-term sustainability. Additionally, the program will investigate new and alternative financing instruments that can support such collaborative and circular business structures.
To foster high-quality, interdisciplinary research proposals, NWO will organize a matchmaking event designed to connect researchers from various disciplines with professionals from both public and private sectors. The event aims to encourage cross-sector collaboration, exchange of ideas, and the formation of strong partnerships capable of generating innovative solutions for a circular economy.
