SYMCRAFT
Creative craft for industrial symbiosis in circular economies

Overview

Duration:

2024 - 2026

Project type:

Funded project

Financing authority:

European Commission

ERDF co-funding:

1,736,059.46 €

Programme:

Interreg Central Europe

Sector:

Art and culture for business

Centre:

aiku

Total budget:

2,170,074.33 €

Fondazione Ca’ Foscari’s role:

Partner

Description

Funded under the Interreg Central Europe programme, the SYMCRAFT project aims to advance the principles of the circular economy by positioning the craft sector as a key player in promoting industrial symbiosis in Central European industrial ecosystems.

SYMCRAFT focuses on three main pillars:

  • reusing industrial waste to develop new craft products, demonstrating the potential of upcycling within traditional craft practices.
  • developing innovative business models for craft products and services that exploit industrial by-products to create new sustainable market offerings.
  • facilitating collaboration between industrial sectors and craftsmanship, creating synergies that promote the efficient reuse of materials and reduce waste.

The project targets key sectors such as agri-food, textiles and wood/furniture, where the intersection between craftsmanship and industry can produce innovative solutions for the reuse and recycling of waste materials. By exploring these synergies, SYMCRAFT aims to design, promote and test resource-efficient business ecosystems in which circularity principles are incorporated into production processes and commercial practices. In this context, the project investigates how craftsmanship can participate in industrial symbiosis, explores ways to optimise the reuse of industrial waste in craft production, and also assesses the potential for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

SYMCRAFT highlights the critical role of craft innovation in addressing contemporary challenges. By rethinking the relationship between craftsmanship and industry, this initiative aims to create resilient and resource-efficient ecosystems that support both traditional artisans and modern industry.

Ca' Foscari University Foundation, through the AIKU Centre, is participating in the project together with the lead partner T2i - technology transfer and innovation and the european partners South Bohemian Chamber of Commerce, Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, West Pannon Regional and Economic Development Public Nonprofit Ltd, Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments, Technology Park Ljubljana, IAGF - institute for applied research for skilled crafts and trades, b&s management consulting and training for rural areas GmbH [GER], Leipzig Environmental Institute, Association Kultur in der Fabrik. 

This project is supported by the Interreg Central Europe Programme with co‑financing from the European Regional Development Fund.

Useful links to discover Symcraft’s activities:

Linked websites
Contacts