How can cities practically develop a circular economy? How can we promote reuse, engage local stakeholders, and make better use of data?
These were the very questions addressed by the online webinar “How to Build a Circular City in Practice: Experiences, Data, and Tools,” which we organized on April 16, 2026, as part of the NiCE project.
The webinar attracted participants from across the Czech Republic and Slovakia—representatives of cities and municipalities, public administration, non-profit organizations, and the professional community. It thus confirmed the growing interest in practical solutions for the circular economy at the local level.
European pilot projects as a source of inspiration
In the introductory section, we presented the NiCE project and its main outputs. Pilot projects implemented in eight European cities played a key role in the project, testing specific approaches to the development of circular lifestyles.
These pilots focused, for example, on:
• the creation and development of reuse centers,
• the revitalization of unused spaces in city centers,
• linking circular services with digitalization and e-commerce,
• integrating social services or education.
The presentation also included an overview of the Knowledge Platform and other project outputs—methodologies, strategic frameworks, monitoring tools, and educational materials that cities can directly apply in their practice.
Jihlava: Reuse Center and Digitalization in Practice
The second part of the webinar focused on the Czech pilot project in Jihlava, specifically the Útulek věcí reuse center.
The project demonstrated how to integrate:
• community activities and the social dimension of reuse,
• the practical operation of a reuse center,
• and digital tools for data collection and analysis.
A key element was the development and testing of the Reuse Recognizer application, which enables automated data collection on received and issued items using artificial intelligence. Thanks to this, Útulek věcí managed to significantly reduce its administrative burden, refine its records of material flows, and obtain data usable for planning, communication, and reporting.
At the same time, the experience from Jihlava demonstrated that digitization can be an important step toward the professionalization of reuse centers and their further development.
Reuse, Data, and Policies: A National Perspective
The final presentation focused on the broader context of reuse development in the Czech Republic. The Reuse Federation presented its role in connecting practitioners, municipalities, and the state administration, and emphasized the importance of data for policy-making and strategic decisions.
Significant attention was devoted to:
• the development of a data collection and reporting system,
• pilot testing of the EPR system for furniture,
• and the need to build a robust network of reuse operations.
Another interesting topic was the financing options for reuse centers, such as through so-called “envirofunds” at the municipal level, which can play an important role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of these activities.
What to take away?
The webinar confirmed that the topic of the circular economy and reuse has great potential among Czech cities and other stakeholders. Participants particularly appreciated the practical focus, concrete real-world examples, and the presentation of tools they can use themselves. The Reuse Recognizer tool and the possibilities for its further expansion to other cities generated significant interest.
The webinar demonstrated that the transition to a circular city is not just a matter of strategies, but above all of concrete steps:
• testing solutions in practice (pilot projects, living labs),
• engaging local stakeholders,
• utilizing data and digital tools,
• and identifying suitable financing models.
The NiCE project thus offers not only inspiration but also concrete tools that cities can use on their own path toward more sustainable operations.
Webinar presentations:
2-Ondrák_The Shelter of Things
3-Hofmanová_Reuse at the National Level in the Czech Republic
Webinar recording:
The NiCE project is supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE program with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.
