Circular Thinking in Procurement: The Role of Training & Mindset Shifts

The ECESP Leadership Group on Circular Procurement and EU Competitiveness invites you to a session of the EU Circular Talks dedicated to embedding circular thinking in public procurement. This online event will take place on March 7, 2025, from 10:00 to 12:30 CET.

The discussion will explore how training and mindset shifts can strengthen value chain resilience and transform procurement strategies through circular criteria. It will also highlight the role of peer-to-peer learning networks, the need for regional procurement criteria, and practical initiatives in Flanders and CCRI Communities of Practice.

Detailed Program:

📅 Date: March 7, 2025 📍 Location: Online (10:00 - 12:30 CET)

🟢 Welcome & Opening Remarks 🎤 Maria Nikolopoulou, Member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC)

🟢 Expert Presentations & Case Studies

• The importance of the circular economy and mindset shifts

  • 🎤 Ken Webster, Circular Economy Thought Leader

• Applying circular principles in procurement

  • 🌍 Preserving natural resources, cutting emissions & saving money – 🎤 Barton Finn, TCO Certified

• Green Public Procurement (GPP) in Italy: CE-PRINCE Project in Liguria

  • 🎤 Cristina Peretti, National Research Council, Italian Ministry for Environment and Energy Security

• Empowering change: Circular procurement training in Flanders

  • 🎤 Saartje Boudsen, Studio D

• Circular Public Procurement trainings in CCRI Communities of Practice

  • 🎤 Helena O’Rourke Potocki, ICLEI

• Supporting public services in overcoming barriers to sustainable procurement

  • 🎤 Fred Dorsimont, BEHAVEN

• E-learning modules of the Urban Agenda

  • 🎤 Valentina Schippers-Opejko, City of Haarlem / Coordinator of the Urban Agenda Partnership on Innovative and Responsive Public Procurement

🟢 Panel Discussion & Q&A 💬 Interactive discussion between participants and speakers

🟢 Closing Remarks

📌 Mandatory registration via the EU Circular Talks platform.