From policies to circular innovation – critical raw materials in cities

Ensuring secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) is at the core of EU’s political priorities for the twin transition. This requires innovations in enhancing circularity of these materials. The cities could have an important role supporting transition on a variety of business ecosystems. In this study, we explore the means cities have identified to boost circularity of critical raw materials. Supported by a conversational AI tool (Bard), we first analysed how CRMs are considered in the circularity agendas of cities. The results showed that the current focus lies at end-of-life phase of products and recycling. The second phase was an interview based deep dive into the innovation potential and drivers and barriers related to circularity of CRMs. At the landscape of CRMs, the cities have both direct and indirect influence on circularity. Circular procurement and Public-private-partnership (PPP) can directly affect circularity while training and education can be efficient indirect actions.