Project summary
The objective of the Interreg Europe project DeCo is to improve local, regional and national development policies through exchange of experience, innovative approaches and capacity building in sustainable and circular design, production and manufacturing. The project contributes to targets set by EU for reducing emissions and to support the Commission’s proposal to make sustainable products as a norm in the EU, boost circular business models and empower consumers for the green transition. European countries and regions have already developed models for sustainable production based on the principles of circular economy. There are also many good examples of the use of product and service design for circularity. Nevertheless there is still big potential unused and many methods and models that are piloted but not yet widely implemented. There are also knowledge, skills and precious experiences that are so far not spread and can be shared among European stakeholders.
In practice, the objectives of the DeCo – Design Collaboration for Sustainable Business project are achieved by:
- Identifying good practices in sustainable and circular design
- Identifying good practices in sustainable production and manufacturing
- Sharing experience and knowledge between industries in European regions
As a result of the project, the knowledge and understanding of the potential of design methods to promote sustainable production and manufacturing will be increased among different stakeholders and target groups. A key role the project has, is to support and develop local, regional and national policy instruments and programmes. The project also implements and supports the European Green Deal through the above-mentioned means.
DeCo Interreg - explained on video - in one minute!
DeCo - 10 partners from 7 regions
❯ LAB University of Applied Sciences, Finland
❯ The Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, Finland
❯ Design Forum Finland (The Finnish Society of Crafts and Design), Finland
❯ Public Institution for the Development of the Međimurje County REDEA, Croatia
❯ Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, Greece
❯ Special Account for Research Funds of International Hellenic University, Greece
❯ The Official Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation of Spain, Spain
❯ Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre Ostrava, Czech Republic
❯ Podkarpackie Innovation Centre, Poland
❯ Wallonie Design, Belgium

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What will this project change
The DeCo project will strengthen how design is used to drive sustainability and circularity across Europe.
It will help local, regional, and national governments improve their policies by sharing practical knowledge, proven methods, and successful business examples from different regions. As a result, more companies and policymakers will be better equipped to implement circular practices, support green innovation, and make sustainable design the norm and not the exception.