Through a high-profile workshop in the context of our joint research project with the University of St. Gallen (HSG), representatives from renowned D-A-CH region companies, such as BASF, Siemens, Swiss Prime Site, Erwin Hymer Group, Lombard Odier and the Thommen Group, came together to develop forward-looking strategies for a resilient and circular economy. The extensive discussions included current research results from the HSG Competence Centre for Circular Economy as well as a critical analysis of existing legal requirements and regulations with the aim of developing concrete recommendations for the Swiss sustainable business landscape.

The event concluded with an exclusive insight into the fascinating world of industrial recycling. Pouyan Dardashti, CEO of Thommen Group personally walked us through the impressive facilities and illustrated how Thommen uses innovative technologies to close material cycles. It was impressive to see how the Thommen Group develops concrete solutions for the sustainable use of resources and thus puts theoretical circular economy concepts from research into practice.

Meanwhile, our own research project pursues two complementary approaches: On the one hand, the aforementioned ‘Circular Economy Leader Circle’ is developing cross-industry strategic proposals for action for the Swiss business landscape. On the other hand, we are researching a specific use case in the field of smart infrastructure in close cooperation with the HSG and Siemens Switzerland. Here, we are investigating how the complex relationships between a central player and its ecosystem of suppliers and customers can be optimised in terms of the circular economy.

Special thanks go to our dedicated colleagues from the Competence Centre for Circular Economy at the University of St. Gallen (Prof. Karolin Frankenberger, Dr Fabian Takacs, Anna Sophia Burch, Marc Wangrin MSc) and the Linz Center of Mechatronics (Dr Johannes Klinglmayr)!

We (Prof. Regina Gattringer, Fabio Damm) look back with enthusiasm on this successful workshop and look forward to further exciting developments!

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