Mondragon University is developing an innovative decision-support tool to optimize Industrial Symbiosis networks under uncertainty. A first prototype is available, opening new opportunities for synergies and collaboration in circular economy initiatives.

Mondragon University (Spain) is currently developing an innovative research and decision-support initiative that represents a promising best practice for advancing Industrial Symbiosis in multi-company industrial environments. The project focuses on creating a new algorithmic engine capable of identifying and optimizing symbiotic exchanges between industries, even under conditions of uncertainty. By integrating Enterprise Input–Output models, stochastic optimization techniques, Monte Carlo simulation, geospatial analysis, and artificial intelligence, the tool aims to support companies, clusters, and industrial parks in turning by-products into valuable resources while improving economic and environmental performance.

A first functional prototype has already been developed, allowing users to visualize industrial symbiosis networks and explore initial scenarios through an online pilot platform (https://simbioptimize.streamlit.app/). This approach highlights the growing importance of digital and practical solutions to accelerate collaboration, resource efficiency, and circular business models.

The initiative strongly connects with the objectives of the INSET project, as it contributes to bridging knowledge gaps and providing concrete tools that can enhance capacity building for both private and public actors. By supporting the identification of synergies and new cooperation opportunities, this type of innovation can play a key role in fostering the skills, networks, and enabling environments needed for Industrial Symbiosis to scale across Europe.