Circular Economy in Scotland, how to learn from foreign experiences: the Nodes project arrives in Aberdeen

On 7 December 2023, Prof. Patrizia Gazzola, professor at the University of Insubria, leader of Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry, went to Scotland to participate in an event entitled: A Circular Scotland In Europe.

The conference, which is part of a cycle of 4 events coordinated by the University of Aberdee, was held at the P&J Live Aberdeen conference centre, bringing together various personalities from both the academic world and the world of institutions.

During the meeting, the NODES project and the activity carried out by Spoke 3 - Tourism and Culture Industry as an Italian best practice in research on sustainable and in particular circular tourism were presented. We talked about sustainability, both in terms of innovation in the production system of the tourism system, but also in the digitalisation of small and medium-sized businesses so that they can reduce costs and waste.

Prof. Gazzola, who spoke in the panel: "Unpacking circular economy capabilities: a comparison with advances in the countries of the European Union", illustrated the Italian experience of circular economy in general and linked to tourism in particular. He also specified that its application can contribute to increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of ecosystem companies through the implementation of innovation and digitalisation processes specific to the territory.

Finally, we talked about how to enhance cultural heritage with the creation of company museums.
The various moments of discussion were useful and fruitful for exchanging different experiences, new circular economy ideas and new applications as well as new network relationships to share with the other Nodes participants.