CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia), the only Spanish partner in the European project SYMBIO, organised the second session of the technical workshop on circular economy on 2 April at its headquarters in Seville, under the title “Boosting SME sustainability and circular innovation: strategies, tools and promotion for a resilient future.”
The event featured the participation of project partners ANTEJA and the coordinator LGCA, as well as representatives from the Andalusian circular economy ecosystem, including OPERA GREEN, BIOMIXING, the University of Seville, Ecogestiona S. Coop, Pons & Asociados Global, Lactalis Puleva, EcoCastulum, Quesandaluz, and 4i.ai.
ChatGPT Plus
The workshop agenda was divided into two thematic blocks. The first, titled “Boosting Circular Value Chains,” included a presentation of the digital tool Value Chain Generator (VCG.AI) by ANTEJA. The second block, “Driving SMEs towards Sustainability,” focused on the support services, mentoring, and strategic guidance offered by SYMBIO to facilitate the transition of SMEs towards circular economy models.
Value Chain Generator: Connecting Circular Opportunities
The Value Chain Generator platform, designed to promote the development of circular value chains, was a central focus of the discussions due to its innovative approach. Broadly speaking, this digital application leverages artificial intelligence to connect individuals, companies, or institutions with complementary interests, needs, or skills, regardless of their location or sector of activity. To demonstrate its functionality, concrete examples were presented, showing how local waste materials such as rice straw or olive pomace can be transformed into sustainable, high value-added products.
For its part, LGCA shared its strategic vision on how to support SMEs in their transition towards more sustainable business models. The importance of addressing this transformation from multiple perspectives was highlighted, using practical tools, personalised advice, and concrete examples. Key aspects include: assessing impact, setting sustainable goals, reporting on progress, and providing support through training and mentoring.
Andalusia, a Key European Region in Circular Economy
The event also served to present the initiative SYMBIO AND: Andalusia’s Industrial Symbiosis Network. Promoted by CTA within the framework of the European project, this action aims primarily to provide companies in the region with tools and methodological approaches to build circular, bio-based production models and to support them throughout the process.
Andalusian SMEs can play a key role in the European circular economy, provided they receive the appropriate support and have access to collaborative spaces such as those promoted by SYMBIO.
Representing CTA, attendees included Carmen Ronchel, Technical Manager of the Biotechnology area; Rafael Castillo, Consultant; María Alonso, Consultant; Carla del Cerro, Consultant; and Mercedes Cáceres, Intern in the Consultancy Department.
