Symbios Project
The Symbios project aims to identify skill gaps in industrial symbiosis, an approach that promotes resource sharing among companies, with an initial focus on the agrifood and leather sectors. The goal is to create a digital platform that supports both training in the circular economy and the development of sustainable business partnerships.
Industrial symbiosis is one of the key strategies driving Europe’s transition towards a circular economy.
In practice, industrial symbiosis connects companies from different sectors to exchange resources such as by-products, energy, water, services, or expertise. What is waste for one company can become a valuable input for another, reducing environmental impact and cutting production costs.
In a world facing climate challenges, rising raw material costs, and energy scarcity, this model is not only sustainable, it’s essential. Industrial symbiosis also strengthens local economies, fosters eco-innovation, and supports smarter territorial development.
However, the adoption of symbiotic practices remains limited. Many companies lack access to knowledge, networks, and digital tools that facilitate industrial partnerships and resource exchange.
The SYMBIOS project responds to this gap, promoting awareness, training, and practical implementation of industrial symbiosis across Europe. It aligns with EU priorities for environmental sustainability, digital transformation, and social inclusion.
SYMBIOS aims to make industrial symbiosis a practical reality for companies and communities through research, training, and an innovative digital platform.
Specific Objectives
Research and Modeling (WP2)
- Study the current practice of industrial symbiosis in two strategic European sectors: Agri-Food and Leather.
- Identify best practices, gaps, training needs, and opportunities for implementing symbiotic models through focus groups, surveys, and literature reviews.
Digital Platform Development (WP3)
Create the SYMBIOS Platform, an open digital environment with two main functions:
- Learning Section: training and awareness-raising on industrial symbiosis for workers, students, and organizations.
- Community Section: a digital matchmaking space connecting companies to exchange resources, share opportunities, and build partnerships.
The SYMBIOS innovation aims to turn the concept of industrial symbiosis into a concrete practice through:
- research and analysis in key European sectors, Agri-food and Leather, to identify needs, best practices, and training gaps.
- the creation of an open digital platform that serves two main functions: a Learning Hub offering knowledge, training, and awareness resources on circular economy and industrial symbiosis; a Community Space where companies can connect, share resources, and create new symbiotic partnerships.
Who can benefit from SYMBIOS?
Employed professionals – Entrepreneurs, managers, and employees from manufacturing and service sectors, as well as representatives from clusters, associations, public bodies, research institutions, and innovation centers looking to apply industrial symbiosis and boost their green skills.
Job seekers and graduates – Individuals aiming to specialize in green and circular economy fields, acquire in-demand skills, and enhance their employability in the sustainable job market.
Individuals facing specific challenges – Including women pursuing STEM careers, people over 50 needing reskilling, and workers or managers striving to stay competitive through green upskilling initiatives.