Analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 to circular economy research and innovation programming and funding

The Circular Economy Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) is a key deliverable of the CICERONE project, acting as a reference document for European, national, regional and local programme owners on funding priorities. However, following the COVID-19 outbreak, Europe’s economy will incur major changes: while the crisis is still unfolding and its full long-term impacts are unknown, it is nevertheless expected to significantly affect the priorities and strategies of European programme owners (PO), including topics related to sustainable development and circular economy. This deliverable aims to identify the impacts, both short and long term, and act as a guiding document on how to implement the SRIA in a post-pandemic context, ensuring its relevance for programme owners. The main result of this deliverable will be an improved and refined understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on circular economy R&I programming in the EU, and an addendum to the SRIA that reflects and aligns with changes in relevant priorities and strategies.