TransScale Project

Urban resource sharing and circularity

About the Project

Welcome to TransScale, a cutting-edge research initiative dedicated to advancing sustainability through urban circularity and resource sharing. Our project focuses on developing innovative models and solutions for European small communities to foster economic, social, and environmental well-being.

The TransScale project focuses on addressing environmental challenges in European cities and surrounding rural areas that have significant social and economic impacts. The project aims to find integrated solutions to these complex issues by harnessing the experimental nature of urban settings. The TransScale project will develop capacities and study the roles of different stakeholders (municipalities, communities, NGOs and other urban stakeholders) in scaling up and scaling out urban circular and sharing economy initiatives while both slowing down, narrowing or closing material loops in urban areas and providing socio-economic services. TransScale will challenge ways of existing thinking, via Future Literacy Labs; sharing learning on new organisational forms and policy measures, via Policy Labs; establishing a bespoke learning platform that will out-last the project lifetime; and conducting selective material flow analyses of circularity and sharing models, for evaluation purposes.

TransScale

TransScale is a pioneering research initiative aimed at advancing sustainable urban development through the implementation of circular and sharing economy models in European small communities. Led by a consortium of multidisciplinary partners, TransScale addresses pressing environmental challenges by harnessing innovative solutions and collaborative approaches.

Through comprehensive work packages and strategic partnerships, TransScale endeavors to:

1. Conduct Future Literacy Labs to envision and design sustainable urban futures.
2. Undertake case studies to analyze and implement circular and sharing economy initiatives.
3. Evaluate governance structures and policy frameworks to support sustainable urban development.
4. Integrate practitioner perspectives to ensure practical applicability and scalability of solutions.
5. Assess environmental impacts to foster sustainable resource management practices.

With a commitment to knowledge dissemination and stakeholder engagement, TransScale seeks to catalyze positive change and foster resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious communities.

Work Packages

Our project is organized into several work packages, each focusing on specific aspects of urban circularity and sharing economy models. From research and development to implementation and evaluation, these work packages ensure a comprehensive approach to achieving our project goals.

WP0: Project Management and Outreach

This work package is dedicated to the effective management and coordination of the TransScale project. It involves tasks such as project planning, budget management, reporting, and communication with stakeholders. Additionally, outreach activities are conducted to raise awareness about the project and engage relevant parties.

WP1: Future Literacy Labs

Future Literacy Labs are interactive workshops designed to explore alternative futures and challenge existing perceptions. This work package focuses on organizing and facilitating these labs, where participants engage in creative and critical thinking exercises to envision sustainable urban development scenarios.

WP2: Case Studies

This work package involves the selection, development, and analysis of case studies that exemplify circular and sharing economy initiatives in urban settings. Through in-depth examination and evaluation, these case studies provide valuable insights into the implementation and impact of such initiatives.

WP3: Governance and Policy Analysis

Governance structures and policy frameworks play a crucial role in shaping the transition towards sustainable urban development. This work package examines existing governance mechanisms and policy frameworks related to circular and sharing economy models. It aims to identify gaps, opportunities, and barriers for policy intervention.

WP4: Practitioner Perspectives

Practitioners, including local authorities, community organizations, and businesses, are key actors in implementing circular and sharing economy initiatives. This work package focuses on understanding their perspectives, experiences, and challenges in adopting and scaling up such initiatives.

WP5: Environmental Impact Assessment

Sustainable development must consider its environmental implications. This work package assesses the environmental impact of circular and sharing economy models deployed in urban contexts. It examines factors such as resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon footprint to ensure holistic sustainability.

Project Number: F-DUT-2022-0269

Area of Specialization: Circular and Sharing Economy

Type of Research: Transdisciplinary

Project Implementation Time: 01.2024 – 12.2026

Total Financing of the Project: 1 137 931 EUR

Project Manager: Jānis Brizga