Over the past months, more than 203 stakeholders across Europe put the INSET Toolkit to the test. Their conclusion was unanimous: the toolkit delivers what Industrial Symbiosis professionals, and stakeholders need to bring circular economy projects from concept to reality.
From universities and regional authorities to companies and innovation experts, participants in Lithuania, Italy, France, Slovenia and Spain explored the full suite of INSET tools during a series of hands-on workshops. And the entire toolkit was evaluated by real potential users in real implementation contexts.
The results could not be clearer: 100% of participants rated the INSET Toolkit as “very” or “extremely” relevant, and nearly all stated they plan to use it in the coming year.
Designed to develop IS competencies and support territorial circular economy initiatives, the INSET Toolkit combines four integrated components:
1. INSET training courses: a 100-hour program aligned with EQF Level 5, offering two professional pathways—IS Planner and IS Project Manager. Learners gain access to modular online units, practical exercises, real-world case studies, and University of Strasbourg certification.
2. Validu Mobile App: a 24/7 learning support that provides access to all INSET resources—including training content, best practices, a networking handbook, and progress tracking—anytime and from any device.
3. Best Practices collection: a curated selection of 10 Industrial Symbiosis case studies, offering a clear view of how IS works in diverse contexts.
4. IS networking sessions Handbook: a practical guide for facilitators, consultants, featuring planning steps, facilitation tools, stakeholder mapping techniques, and case studies.
Between October and December 2025, INSET partners held promotional workshops in Lithuania, Italy, France and Spain. The sessions gathered a wide participation, including public authorities, companies, consultants, academics, and students.
Each country tested INSET in a different real-world setting:
In Lithuania at Kaunas University of Technology, 17 Circular Economy students used the toolkit as part of their coursework. Lecturers reported that INSET successfully connects theoretical concepts with practical IS applications, sparking interest in integrating materials into future curricula.
In Italy, the fourteen companies from the Tiber Valley together with the 8 local stakeholders employed the IS Networking Handbook during a live facilitation exercise. Participants uncovered collaboration opportunities they had never previously identified, proof that the toolkit can support territorial IS planning immediately.
In Spain, public authorities and industry clusters explored how INSET supports regional circular economy strategies during the II National Meeting of Industrial Symbiosis Projects. Discussions are already underway to embed the training into VET and cluster initiatives with support from Consorcio de la Zona Franca.
CETEM’s workshop in Yecla brought together 21 representatives from industry, education, and public bodies to explore the INSET Toolkit for Industrial Symbiosis. Survey results showed 78% see INSET as highly relevant for business sustainability transformation, with participants calling for hands-on demonstrations and stronger integration between the app, best practices, and networking handbook to facilitate immediate regional implementation within circular economy strategies.
The workshop series was made possible through collaboration with key regional and sectoral partners, which reinforce the credibility of the toolkit and create pathways for ongoing implementation.
What comes next?
Participants also offered suggestions for future updates. INSET partners will explore continued networking opportunities to help learners apply IS methods long after initial training. All improvements aim to increase accessibility and ensure the toolkit evolves alongside the needs of practitioners.
Start your journey in Industrial Symbiosis today!
The INSET Toolkit is completely free and available to everyone interested in developing Industrial Symbiosis competencies.
