How can researchers and practitioners work together to speed up the transition to a circular society? In a new three-part podcast series Circulaire Versnellers by the institute 4 a Circular Society part of the EWUU alliance, three promising research projects are explored that are tackling exactly that challenge. Each one focuses on developing new, scalable systems that better align the supply and demand of materials and services.
In Circulaire Versnellers, researchers and practitioners engage in open conversations about what it truly takes to accelerate the transition to a circular society. The three featured projects—funded by NWO—are firmly grounded in real-world contexts where academic insights meet practical challenges. While many circular solutions already exist, scaling them up requires more than innovation alone. It calls for a fundamental shift in how we value materials and services, the development of new business models, and the creation of supportive legal and governance frameworks.
The podcast series underscores the importance of trust, mutual learning, and the willingness to navigate uncertainty together. Through honest and reflective dialogue, it offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone working at the intersection of research and practice.
This podcast series is hosted and edited by Annemieke Groenenboom. Please note that this podcast series is in Dutch.
Episode 1: A Cooperative Bank for a Precious Resource: Freshwater
A water bank that matches freshwater supply and demand—it’s becoming increasingly essential as climate change makes water availability less predictable. In the STURDI-Water research project, scientists and practitioners are joining forces to build just such a system. “We’re not short on technical solutions. It’s the legal, financial, and governance barriers that need our attention” say Hans Cappon (HZ), Dave Huitema (WUR) and Nick Hannewijk (Province of Zeeland).
Read the background article and Listen to this episode on Spotify
Episode 2: How Landscape Services Foster Self-Sufficient Regions
Short food supply chains, local drinking water production, and recreational areas close to home—what if landscape services were optimally exchanged within urban-rural regions? This could lead to more self-sufficient areas and renewed appreciation between city and countryside. In the Circulaire Versnellers podcast, Jasper de Vries (WUR) and Rens de Boer (BPD) share how they’re working toward this vision in the Fertile Soils project. “By connecting supply and demand, we also contribute to regional circular systems.”
Read the background article and Listen to this episode on Spotify
Episode 3: New Digital System for Optimal Reuse of Construction and Demolition Materials
All information about the availability and characteristics of used building components on one platform — that’s the envisioned outcome of the UPSCALE research project. Including the required behavioral changes and business models. “There’s no shortage of circular initiatives in construction, but they don’t yet lead to systemic change,” say Krista van Zandwijk (TU/e) and Bart den Otter (ABN AMRO).
Read the background article and Listen to this episode on Spotify