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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must ground place-based circular systemic solutions across at least two demonstration and three replication living labs, explicitly including regional/local authorities and at least one replication site in a Widening country. Success hinges on demonstrating high TRL systemic validation (reaching TRL 8) through an authentic Multi-Actor Approach, robust SSH integration, and formal institutional alignment with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) framework.
TRL 4 → 8
Move from demonstration to further deployment and upscaling through the setup of well-functioning real-life innovation ecosystems, such as living labs, enabling systematic participation of all ecosystem stakeholders (citizens, policymakers, research bodies, academia, industries, start-ups and SMEs, social economy entities, financial intermediaries) to co-create practical and readily applicable solutions.
Adopt the multi-actor approach to involve end-users, set up engaging and effective governance structures, facilitate collaboration and coordination, and ensure continuous feedback and monitoring to enable an iterative and flexible process.
Integrate systemic socio-ecological approaches and involve the effective contribution of SSH disciplines (e.g., economics, politics, sociology, psychology, gender studies).
Support the validation, testing and optimisation of innovative, circular systemic solutions in selected cities/regions (the ‘demonstrators’), along with relevant governance models and business plans, selecting targeted sector(s) and/or value chain(s) based on a detailed analysis of local/regional contexts and circular potentials.
Facilitate knowledge and experience transfer for further outreach and large-scale replication across Europe, turning insights into actionable recommendations, identifying lessons learned, enabling frameworks, barriers, enablers, and business cases for replicators.
Include at least two different demonstration and three replication ‘living labs’ (including cities/regions, possibly with public/private ecosystem partners) as part of the consortium, with at least one replication lab located in Horizon Europe widening countries (including Outermost Regions).
Ensure synergies and complementarities with relevant circular economy projects and initiatives (CCRI Projects and CCRI Associated Partners), including a dedicated task, appropriate resources, and a plan to collaborate with the CCRI office, projects, and partners (e.g. thematic discussion groups, joint events, joint R&I gap analysis, policy briefs).
Explore linkages with relevant initiatives such as the Regional Innovation Valleys, the New European Bauhaus, the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, and the Adaptation to Climate Change Mission, whenever relevant.
increased circularity and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the economic sectors, services and product value chains at local and/or regional scale. This also includes an efficient valorisation of local resources, with positive effects on air and water quality as well as on biodiversity;
widespread deployment and easier replication, scalability and visibility of circular systemic solutions for a multiplication of their economic, social and environmental benefits;
enhanced collaboration and knowledge transfer between public authorities (cities and regions), companies, research and citizens in addressing environmental challenges, such as climate-change, resource depletion and biodiversity loss.
Improved climate change adaptation and mitigation through the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy and bioeconomy, underpinned by biotechnologies and sustainable industrial solutions, such as carbon capture and utilisation and recovery of materials, water and energy.
Industrial competitiveness, sustainability and strategic autonomy are improved through the development of safe, sustainable, circular and/or bio-based value chains. This is done by promoting the efficient and circular use of secondary materials and water, fostering the multi-functionality of forests, and ensuring the sustainable supply of critical resources from land and sea.
Living conditions for individuals and communities are improved through innovative, affordable and sustainable safe and sustainable by design products and services based on circular and/or bio-based solutions while demonstrating a reduction of environmental and climate pressures.
Advanced societal transformation based on a systemic approach, as well as people’s involvement and integration of social sciences and humanities for fair, safe, sustainable and circular value chains, sustainable consumption patterns, environmental justice, gender equality and social inclusion.
European Green Deal
highThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP)
highThe Circular Economy Action Plan provides a comprehensive agenda for sustainable growth by decoupling economic growth from resource use. It targets the entire life cycle of products, prioritising waste prevention, circular design, and secondary raw materials across local and regional supply chains.
Evaluators expect concrete methodology showing how circular systemic solutions will be tested and deployed within cities and regions, directly advancing the CEAP core principles and waste reduction targets.
EU Circular Economy Act
highThe EU Circular Economy Act represents the legislative push to establish a unified single market for secondary raw materials and waste-derived goods. It focuses on harmonising product standards, end-of-waste criteria, and economic drivers for circular adoption.
Evaluators look for proposals to address regional barriers to circular material flows and demonstrate compliance with emerging circularity and traceability norms.
Clean Industrial Deal
mediumThe Clean Industrial Deal focuses on decarbonising energy-intensive industries while maintaining European industrial competitiveness. It accelerates investments in clean technologies, infrastructure, and access to sustainable materials across key manufacturing sectors.
Evaluators expect proposals to illustrate how local circular initiatives support regional industrial decarbonisation, resource efficiency, and local industrial symbiosis.
EU Bioeconomy Strategy
mediumThe EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to develop a sustainable, circular bioeconomy that connects economic prosperity with environmental protection. It promotes the circular use of biological resources to replace fossil-based materials and support rural and regional development.
Evaluators expect projects involving organic waste or biological streams to detail circular valorisation routes that preserve ecological boundaries while fostering local value chains.
Start-ups and Scale-ups Strategy
mediumThe EU Start-up and Scale-up Initiative aims to create a more favourable environment for innovative entrepreneurs across Europe. It supports removing regulatory barriers, increasing access to finance, and fostering collaboration across regional innovation ecosystems.
Evaluators expect clear pathways demonstrating how local living labs will engage circular innovative start-ups and SMEs to test, scale, and replicate market-ready solutions.
EU Competitiveness Compass
mediumThe EU Competitiveness Compass serves as a strategic framework to track and strengthen the EU's global industrial edge, productivity, and resilience. It guides coordinated policy interventions to accelerate innovation, reduce strategic dependencies, and enhance internal market cohesion.
Evaluators expect projects to showcase how local circular systemic solutions enhance territorial economic resilience and sustainable competitiveness for regional actors.
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
mediumThe Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) establishes eco-design requirements for products to improve durability, reparability, energy efficiency, and recycled content. It introduces the Digital Product Passport to improve transparency throughout value chains.
Evaluators will look for proposals that integrate eco-design criteria and digital data tracking when piloting circular product-service systems in urban or regional living labs.
SME Strategy
mediumThe EU SME Strategy for a Sustainable and Digital Europe aims to unleash the power of small and medium enterprises to lead the twin green and digital transition. It targets capacity building, access to finance, and lowering bureaucratic burdens.
Evaluators expect concrete measures to include local SMEs in living lab governance, business model design, and capacity-building activities.
European Water Resilience Strategy
mediumThe European Water Resilience Strategy addresses growing water scarcity, pollution, and climate-induced water risks across European catchments. It encourages water efficiency, circular water reuse, and the protection of water resources across municipal and industrial sectors.
Evaluators expect proposals dealing with urban or regional resource loops to address water efficiency, wastewater treatment, or closed-loop water reuse where relevant.
European Chemicals Industry Action Plan
lowThe European Chemicals Industry Action Plan provides a roadmap to guide the transformation of the chemical sector toward sustainable, safe, and circular practices. It focuses on toxic-free material cycles, innovation in green chemistry, and securing sustainable feedstock.
Evaluators expect proposals handling chemical or material recycling to highlight non-toxic circularity and adherence to safe-and-sustainable-by-design standards.
EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative
lowThe EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative promotes biotechnology solutions to advance industrial modernisation, health, and circular economy aims. It facilitates the scale-up of bio-based processes and bio-manufacturing capacities across Member States.
Evaluators seek evidence of how advanced bio-based solutions are tested or integrated into municipal and regional living labs for bio-waste recovery or secondary material production.
European Ocean Pact
lowThe European Ocean Pact represents the EU's commitment to integrated ocean governance, reconciling ocean conservation with a sustainable blue economy. It reinforces commitments across marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and cross-border maritime management.
Evaluators look for holistic approaches linking sustainable seafood supply chains with broader ocean health, stakeholder stewardship, and alignment with maritime governance priorities.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
lowAs a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological resilience, especially in the context of forest ecosystems and soil health. Specific attention to how living labs can support biodiversity monitoring and restoration in forests and natural lands is crucial.
Nature Restoration Regulation
lowThe Nature Restoration Regulation establishes legally binding restoration targets across land and marine ecosystems, including urban green spaces. It mandates proactive measures to recover degraded nature, increase tree canopy, and halt the net loss of urban green infrastructure.
Evaluators will look for alignment on how urban and peri-urban circular interventions protect or enhance local natural habitats and avoid negative land-use trade-offs.
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
lowCommon Agricultural Policy supports sustainable agriculture. Less relevant unless the proposal involves bio-based materials or food processing.
Only relevant for proposals with agricultural or bio-based components.
EU Forest Strategy for 2030
lowThe EU Forest Strategy for 2030 provides a framework to protect, restore, and sustainably manage European forests. It highlights forest ecosystem services while supporting a circular bioeconomy built on sustainable wood and non-wood forest products.
Evaluators expect projects dealing with wood streams or forestry by-products to adhere to cascading-use principles and sustainable forest management rules.
EU Strategy for Outermost Regions
lowThe EU Strategy for Outermost Regions establishes tailored policy support to address the unique geographic isolation, insularity, and economic vulnerability of outermost territories. It prioritises green transitions, local renewable resources, and sustainable regional development.
Evaluators value proposals that explicitly design living lab activities to account for or test solutions in outermost regions and remote territories facing constrained material supplies.
Specific requirements
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Living labs requirement for consortium composition
At least five distinct ‘living labs’ linked to regional or local authorities (and possibly together with their public and/or private ecosystem actors operating in their respective territories) must be part of the consortium as beneficiaries, among which at least two must be from different demonstration sites and another three from other and different replication sites, with one out of the three replication sites located in Horizon Europe widening countries (including Outermost Regions).
Multi-actor approach required
The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach.
Exclusion of entities established in China
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
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described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: at least five (5) distinct ‘living labs’ linked to regional or local authorities (and possibly together with their public and/or private ecosystem actors operating in their respective territories) must be part of the consortium as beneficiaries, among which at least two (2) living labs must be from different demonstration sites and another three (3) from other and different replication sites. 1 out of the 3 replication sites must be located in Horizon Europe widening countries (including Outermost Regions).
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach. See definition of the multi-actor approach in this work programme part.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025) [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard application form (HE RIA IA Stage 1)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA and CSA Stage 1)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will immediately scrutinize the consortium eligibility gate: exactly at least 5 distinct living labs linked to local/regional authorities (2 demo, 3 replication, with ≥1 replication site in a Widening country or Outermost Region) and genuine application of the Multi-Actor Approach. Under Excellence, evaluators will assess whether the systemic socio-ecological solutions integrate SSH disciplines and build a credible pathway to TRL 8. Under Impact and Implementation, evaluators will demand a concrete, budgeted task for active cooperation with the CCRI Coordination and Support Office, realistic replication business models, and transparent governance under the lump-sum funding mechanism within the 10-page Stage 1 threshold.
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Move from demonstration to further deployment and upscaling through the setup of well-functioning real-life innovation ecosystems, such as living labs, enabling systematic participation of all ecosystem stakeholders (citizens, policymakers, research bodies, academia, industries, start-ups and SMEs, social economy entities, financial intermediaries) to co-create practical and readily applicable solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Adopt the multi-actor approach to involve end-users, set up engaging and effective governance structures, facilitate collaboration and coordination, and ensure continuous feedback and monitoring to enable an iterative and flexible process. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Integrate systemic socio-ecological approaches and involve the effective contribution of SSH disciplines (e.g., economics, politics, sociology, psychology, gender studies). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Support the validation, testing and optimisation of innovative, circular systemic solutions in selected cities/regions (the ‘demonstrators’), along with relevant governance models and business plans, selecting targeted sector(s) and/or value chain(s) based on a detailed analysis of local/regional contexts and circular potentials. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Facilitate knowledge and experience transfer for further outreach and large-scale replication across Europe, turning insights into actionable recommendations, identifying lessons learned, enabling frameworks, barriers, enablers, and business cases for replicators. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Include at least two different demonstration and three replication ‘living labs’ (including cities/regions, possibly with public/private ecosystem partners) as part of the consortium, with at least one replication lab located in Horizon Europe widening countries (including Outermost Regions). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Ensure synergies and complementarities with relevant circular economy projects and initiatives (CCRI Projects and CCRI Associated Partners), including a dedicated task, appropriate resources, and a plan to collaborate with the CCRI office, projects, and partners (e.g. thematic discussion groups, joint events, joint R&I gap analysis, policy briefs). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8Explore linkages with relevant initiatives such as the Regional Innovation Valleys, the New European Bauhaus, the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, and the Adaptation to Climate Change Mission, whenever relevant. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1increased circularity and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants in the economic sectors, services and product value chains at local and/or regional scale. This also includes an efficient valorisation of local resources, with positive effects on air and water quality as well as on biodiversity; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2widespread deployment and easier replication, scalability and visibility of circular systemic solutions for a multiplication of their economic, social and environmental benefits; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3enhanced collaboration and knowledge transfer between public authorities (cities and regions), companies, research and citizens in addressing environmental challenges, such as climate-change, resource depletion and biodiversity loss. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Systematic multi-actor approach and stakeholder engagement in living labsProposals must adopt a multi-actor approach to involve end-users, enabling the systematic participation of all ecosystem stakeholders (citizens, policymakers, research bodies, academia, industry, SMEs, social economy entities, and financial intermediaries) to co-create practical circular systemic solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Integration of social sciences and humanities (SSH) disciplinesProposals should integrate systemic socio-ecological approaches and involve the effective contribution of SSH disciplines such as economics, politics, sociology, psychology, and gender studies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Collaboration and dedicated task with CCRI office, projects, and partnersProposals must include a dedicated task, appropriate resources, and a plan to ensure synergies and collaborate with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) Coordination and Support Office, CCRI Projects, and CCRI Associated Partners (e.g. thematic discussion groups, joint events, joint R&I gap analysis, and policy briefs). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Synergies with EU missions, Regional Innovation Valleys, and New European BauhausLinkages with relevant initiatives such as the Regional Innovation Valleys, the New European Bauhaus, the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, and the Adaptation to Climate Change Mission should be explored whenever relevant. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Restrictions on participation of legal entities established in ChinaLegal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Improved climate change adaptation and mitigation through the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy and bioeconomy, underpinned by biotechnologies and sustainable industrial solutions, such as carbon capture and utilisation and recovery of materials, water and energy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Industrial competitiveness, sustainability and strategic autonomy are improved through the development of safe, sustainable, circular and/or bio-based value chains. This is done by promoting the efficient and circular use of secondary materials and water, fostering the multi-functionality of forests, and ensuring the sustainable supply of critical resources from land and sea. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Living conditions for individuals and communities are improved through innovative, affordable and sustainable safe and sustainable by design products and services based on circular and/or bio-based solutions while demonstrating a reduction of environmental and climate pressures. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Advanced societal transformation based on a systemic approach, as well as people’s involvement and integration of social sciences and humanities for fair, safe, sustainable and circular value chains, sustainable consumption patterns, environmental justice, gender equality and social inclusion. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1european green dealThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2circular economy action plan (ceap)The Circular Economy Action Plan provides a comprehensive agenda for sustainable growth by decoupling economic growth from resource use. It targets the entire life cycle of products, prioritising waste prevention, circular design, and secondary raw materials across local and regional supply chains. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3eu circular economy actThe EU Circular Economy Act represents the legislative push to establish a unified single market for secondary raw materials and waste-derived goods. It focuses on harmonising product standards, end-of-waste criteria, and economic drivers for circular adoption. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
Living labs requirement for consortium composition
At least five distinct ‘living labs’ linked to regional or local authorities (and possibly together with their public and/or private ecosystem actors operating in their respective territories) must be part of the consortium as beneficiaries, among which at least two must be from different demonstration sites and another three from other and different replication sites, with one out of the three replication sites located in Horizon Europe widening countries (including Outermost Regions).
Multi-actor approach required
The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach.
Exclusion of entities established in China
Legal entities established in China are not eligible to participate in both Research and Innovation Actions (RIAs) and Innovation Actions (IAs) falling under this destination.
4 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
A proposal will be rejected at the eligibility check if it does not include exactly two demonstration living labs and three replication living labs. These labs must be directly linked to regional or local authorities as beneficiaries, and at least one replication site must be located in a Widening country or Outermost Region.
Source: Eligibility rules
Evaluators will penalize the Impact and Implementation scores if the proposal lacks a dedicated, budgeted task for collaboration with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). You must explicitly allocate resources and define a plan for joint events, R&I gap analyses, and policy briefs with the CCRI Coordination and Support Office.
Source: Scope
While the Multi-Actor Approach is a strict eligibility baseline, the deep integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines is a primary scoring driver under Excellence. Proposals must move beyond technical circularity to embed economics, sociology, or psychology into their systemic socio-ecological solutions to secure top marks.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
Because this is a two-stage call utilizing a lump-sum funding mechanism, applicants face a severe space constraint. You must convincingly outline transparent governance and financial structures for a complex five-lab consortium within the strict 10-page Stage 1 threshold to advance to the full proposal phase.
Source: Evaluation_pre_award
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