Networking Day: Critical Materials, Critical Decisions: Working Together for Strategic Autonomy

The world is changing at lightning speed. China is increasingly putting its own interests first, Turkey is opportunistically closing alliances, and the U.S. is focusing primarily on domestic production. Meanwhile, in Europe, the realization is growing: we are too dependent on countries that follow their own agenda. Especially when it comes to access to critical raw materials.

Why this networking day?

For the Netherlands, which relies heavily on imports, this is a wake-up call. Without these materials, no energy transition, no innovation, no future-proof economy. The good news? The circular economy is not only a sustainable alternative, but also a strategic answer. Reusing raw materials makes us less dependent and strengthens our economic resilience. So it's time to harness this momentum! Circonnect and the Versnellingshuis are therefore organizing a networking afternoon on strategic autonomy on July 3.

During this day, we bring together professionals, boosters and policy makers working on solutions around circular economy and security of supply. We start with the bigger picture: what exactly does "strategic autonomy" mean, and why is this the right time to put circular solutions at the center?

Based on practice, we analyze opportunities and bottlenecks from four perspectives:

Policy - Strategic autonomy is increasingly higher on the political agenda. What do the European Critical Raw Materials Act and the National Raw Materials Strategy offer as hooks to accelerate circular initiatives on the map? How can we leverage the policy space that is now emerging?

Security of supply risks & reputation - The vulnerability of international chains on security of supply of critical raw materials is becoming increasingly clear. How can you identify these risks and increase the relevance of circular chains with them, in which reuse and local availability provide greater grip and reliability?

Marketing & influencing - Current events offer opportunities to position the story of circularity more sharply and urgently. How do you use the geopolitical context to create support - among entrepreneurs and towards policy makers?

Financing - The search for resilient chains also opens new doors for investment. We enter into a discussion with financiers about the strategic importance as well as the earning potential of circular chains. Which funds and instruments match this topicality?

What to expect.

• Inspiration on current developments and new perspectives on strategic autonomy.
• Bring your own practical examples and get concrete and useful tools for the next step.
• In-depth sessions from perspectives of financing, marketing & influencing, chain analysis critical raw materials and policy developments.
• Space to forge new collaborations and exchange experiences.

Practical

📅 July 3, 2025

📍 Pakhuis Noorderhaven Noorderhavenstraat 49, 7202 DD Zutphen (Next to Central Station)

🕓 13:30 - 18:00, including networking drinks

✅Sign up using the button below!