BOOST-IN adapts the concept of circular economy to the water cycle by exploring promising innovative solutions in co-creation processes.

Droughts and water scarcity are becoming an increasing concern in Europe, with around 20% of the European territory and 30% of the total population already affected by water stress. This is driven by diverse factors, including climate change, tourism, agriculture, and population density. With rising levels of global warming, water scarcity is projected to become more severe and frequent, especially in Southern and Western Central Europe.

The alteration of the water cycle poses risks for energy production, food security, human health, economic development, and poverty reduction. These challenges are expected to become more critical in the coming decades as countries attempt to sustain a larger and more prosperous human population and economy under changing climate conditions. In addition to drought impacts, overexploitation of water resources in some European countries increases the risk of water deficits (especially for agriculture) and consequently environmental hazards. In addition, unsustainable consumption and production patterns are degrading ecosystems and reducing their ability to provide essential goods and services.

In most EU member states, water systems follow a linear model which corresponds to the exploitation and degradation of non-renewable water resources. Current adaptation options which focus on saving water and enhancing efficiency might not be sufficient in the future to manage the increasing demand and reduced water availability due to climate change.

To overcome these challenges, the concept of a Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as a response to the current unsustainable linear model of “take, make, consume, and waste”. A circular economy offers an opportunity to recognize and capture the full value of water: as a service; an input to processes; a source of energy; and a carrier of nutrients and other materials. However, the transition toward a circular economy is a long and complex process due to the existence of technical, economic, social, and regulatory barriers.

The overarching goal of the BOOST-IN project is to implement a successful strategy that promotes the types of technological changes, governance schemes, shifts in mindset and organizational structures the water sector needs to become circular. This will be achieved through an effective transfer of innovative Water Circular Economy Solutions and initiatives to further close water cycles, reuse water, and recover energy, nutrients and other by-products from wastewater, based on real-life experience in the circular economy. This approach requires multi-disciplinary action at the EU level but also at the regional level targeting affected regions to promote knowledge exchange, build capacity, support entrepreneurship, advocate policy and create an active network of actors that interact in an effective and synergistic way.

ZSI supports BOOST-IN with its expertise in multi-stakeholder co-creation processes, bringing together different societal actors to work on promising innovative water solutions in different European countries.

Team:

• Dr. Judith Feichtinger
• Dr. Daniela Fuchs

Section: Technology and Knowledge

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