The INSET project is committed to advancing Industrial Symbiosis (IS) by delivering a disruptive, digital, and practical approach to enterprise training and awareness. This mission aligns closely with the core goals of Vocational Education and Training (VET): making education more attractive, aligning it with labour market demands, and contributing to the fight against climate change.
Currently, the project partners are working on Work Package 3 (WP3), which focuses on developing capacity building resources to raise awareness and strengthen commitment towards IS implementation. Recognizing the pivotal role of capacity building in overcoming barriers to IS adoption, the INSET Consortium is designing a digital toolkit tailored to the needs of today’s learners. Building on the methodology established in WP2 and validated by stakeholders, this toolkit aims to be a comprehensive and practical resource for promoting IS practices across Europe.
The INSET Toolkit: A Four-Part Digital Resource
The toolkit consists of four key components:
- INSET Web/Mobile App
A knowledge-sharing platform covering various IS thematic areas. Users are guided through a personalized learning journey—basic, intermediate, or advanced—based on the outcomes of a self-assessment.
- INSET Best Practices Publication on IS
A curated selection of 10 real-world IS case studies, highlighting a variety of successful approaches—from cutting-edge technological innovations to collaborative strategies that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and lower carbon footprints.
- INSET Handbook for IS Networking Sessions
A practical guide emphasizing the importance of networking in IS development. Drawing from real-life examples, it illustrates how well-structured networking events can bring together public and private stakeholders to create synergies and co-develop sustainable solutions.
- INSET IS Live Course
Based on a jointly developed curriculum, this 100-hour training program includes 25 hours of online sessions and 75 hours of self-directed learning. Structured into five flexible modules, it allows participants to tailor their learning experience to their specific needs and interests.
Toolkit Validation: A Two-Step Process
To ensure the toolkit meets its objectives and provides real value, the project includes a two-step validation process:
- Step 1: Toolkit Verification
Completed in January 2025 during the third in-person exchange workshop in Maribor, Slovenia, hosted by the Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor. Consortium partners presented the INSET toolkit to stakeholders, who confirmed their relevance and usefulness. The stakeholders highlighted the toolkit’s added value in showcasing IS best practices, fostering networking, and offering targeted training in IS concepts, soft skills, and regulatory frameworks.
- Step 2: Toolkit Validation
Scheduled for completion by the end of August 2025, this phase will involve internal and external evaluations of all four tools. Questionnaires will be distributed to gather feedback from a broader group of users, ensuring the toolkit is refined and ready for widespread adoption.
Through this structured approach, the INSET project continues to pave the way for greater awareness, knowledge sharing, and adoption of Industrial Symbiosis, contributing to a more circular and sustainable European economy.
