Digital & circular: here's how to future-proof our economy

The world is changing rapidly; those who innovate intelligently are ahead. Digitalization and circularity reinforce each other: data make circular chains transparent, increase labor productivity and open the way to new business models. During the Network Day Digital & Circular, organized by Circonnect and Versnellingshuis Nederland Circulair! on November 27, 2025 in Utrecht, you will experience how the combination of smart and circular brings innovations further. You will discover the latest insights from research by TNO and PBL (among others) and hear stories from practice that you can apply immediately.

Dutch companies face major innovation challenges. How do you stay competitive and future-proof in a world that is changing at lightning speed? Circularity and digitalization offer answers - not as ends in themselves, but as powerful levers that reinforce each other.

Not only more sustainable, but also more profitable

Anyone who wants to future-proof business must deal more intelligently with raw materials and processes. Circularity opens the door to new profit models, but also raises questions: how do you keep a grip on costs, productivity and chains? That is where digitization comes in. Smart data and technology make chains transparent, predict maintenance and extend product life.

Research by TNO[TNO, 2020].shows that this can reduce emissions by 10-35%, while refurbishment delivers additional economic value. PBL[PBL, 2025] emphasizes that reliable data are crucial to scale up circular models, and the OECD[OECD, 2024] illustrates how digitization - through blockchain, digital twins and material monitoring - is essential to organize "urban mining" and circular chains at scale. The result: circular business becomes not only more sustainable, but also more profitable.

All about the network day 'Digital & Circular'

The network day on November 27 is especially for trainers, designers, decentralized governments, regional accelerators, acceleration partners of the Versnellingshuis and chain directors. Together we will explore how digitization accelerates circular innovation, and how it enables companies to grow agile and sustainable.

This is what you can expect:

• Current insights on European and Dutch policy developments
• Case stories of frontrunners implementing circular innovations using smart solutions
• Concrete tools to harness data and digitization for innovation
• Dialogue and reflection with intermediaries, chain directors, designers and policy makers

In the plenary program we explore the intersections between digital and circular innovation with inspiring speakers and an expert panel discussion. Then we dive into sub-sessions where you will get concrete examples and action perspectives - from circular product passports to smart monitoring of urban mines.

Sign up directly or read more about the event.