Smart Inspiration Day 2023

Like the signatories of the Circular Cities Declaration, more and more European cities and territories are committing themselves to the circular economy. Based on his experience and the lessons learned from the various European projects he has accompanied, Simon Gresset will discuss the importance of mobilising local stakeholders and their crucial involvement in the successful transition to a circular economy. It will also be an opportunity to discuss the advantages of data collection and analysis, which are essential methods for guiding decision-making, whether it is a question of acquiring better knowledge of the territory and the energy and material flows that make it work (urban metabolism), or of measuring the impact of the policies implemented (evaluation of public policies).

As part of his research on the circular economy, Benoit Ruysschaert conducted a survey among all Belgian municipalities in late 2022. The objective: to understand how the circular economy is adopted at the local policy level. This survey, a first in Belgium, achieved a high response rate, as it gathered answers from more than half of the country's municipalities.

The survey not only reveals the number of local authorities that have adopted the circular economy in their programmes. It also gives an overview of the different approaches taken. During this conference, you will discover the main obstacles, motivations, tools, ... that can play a role in the adoption of the circular economy within local authorities, in order to support their sustainable transition.

After the presentation of several European initiatives and an overview of the situation in Belgium, this panel - placed under the sign of experience sharing and best practices - will be the opportunity to discuss the two Belgian regional initiatives in terms of circularity, but also to discover the actions implemented within the city of Wiltz (Luxembourg). Through their exchanges, our panelists will talk about the steps taken in their respective territories to support the circular transition at the regional/local level, the challenges encountered, or their approach to the Smart City and how it can be integrated into their circular reflections. With the participation of :

Elke de  Taeye, staff member circular economy – VVSG/Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities Elke de Taeye works for VVSG as director circular economy for local authorities. She  is a member of the economy, environment and climate department within VVSG. With her work she focuses on the role of local authorities in the circular transition and how circular economy principles can help them in different policy areas. She is co-author of the book "Lokaal en Circulair, werken aan de toekomst" [Local and Circular, Shaping the Future]. With more than two years’ experience in the Climate Network (VVSG) and the development of the Local Energy and Climate Pact, she has good understanding of the barriers cities and municipalities encounter and the power they hold. Elke de Taeye is committed to strategic policy innovation and a cross-cutting implementation of circular economy at different policy levels.   About VVSG    The VVSG is the advocate, knowledge provider and network developer for the local authorities in Flanders. This means that the VVSG represents and defends local governments in numerous policy dossiers.The VVSG supports and strengthens local governments with advice, training publications, communication. And the VVSG brings together local governments and their partners together and ensures the cross-fertilisation of knowledge and good practices.   Elke de Taeye replaces Elmar Willems (Circular Flanders), previously announced in the programme.

NB : Elke de Taeye' speech will be in English. An interpretation service (EN->FR) will be provided during his speeches. All the conferences and discussions will be also translated from French to English.