European Commission: Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (2024)
The Aalborg case demonstrates how strong partnerships, proactive facilitation and municipal leadership drive sustainable industrial development. The port functions as a coordination hub, attracting complementary businesses. Digital tools accelerate synergy identification, benefiting both SMEs and large firms. Long-term collaboration and strategic vision underpin a just transition.
Leveraging Industrial Symbiosis for a Just Transition: Insights from European Case Studies
This case study explores the role of industrial symbiosis in supporting a just transition towards more sustainable and inclusive industrial systems. It examines how collaborative resource exchanges between industries can contribute not only to environmental sustainability but also to socio-economic objectives, such as job creation, regional development, and social equity. Drawing on European case studies, the report highlights how industrial symbiosis initiatives can revitalize local economies, particularly in regions undergoing structural transformation. It also analyzes key enabling conditions, including policy support, stakeholder engagement, and skills development, as well as challenges related to governance, coordination, and investment. The findings emphasize that integrating industrial symbiosis into just transition strategies can enhance both environmental performance and social outcomes, supporting a more balanced and resilient transition to a circular economy.