On 17 February 2026, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vratsa (CCI Vratsa) organised the third stakeholder engagement meeting in Bulgaria within the SymbioTech project – European Alliance for Advancing Circular Economy via Digital Industrial Symbiosis.
The online event brought together representatives from businesses, universities, public institutions and business support organisations to discuss the role of industrial symbiosis and digital technologies in supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Participants were introduced to the objectives and activities of the SymbioTech project, including the development of training programmes, digital tools and collaborative platforms that facilitate resource exchange between companies.
A key part of the event was an interactive Mentimeter session, where stakeholders shared their views on the current state of industrial symbiosis in their organisations. The results showed that several participants already apply elements of circular economy practices, while others are exploring opportunities to implement industrial symbiosis in their operations.
The discussion also highlighted the main benefits of industrial symbiosis, including cost reduction, innovation and improved environmental performance. At the same time, participants identified lack of information, limited access to expertise and financial constraints as key barriers to wider adoption.
The session also revealed strong interest in digital platforms that facilitate cooperation between companies and in the upcoming SymbioTech Manager training programme, which will equip professionals with the skills needed to support industrial symbiosis initiatives.
The meeting confirmed the importance of collaboration between businesses, educational institutions and public organisations in accelerating the transition towards circular economy solutions.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.