4R: An open innovation ecosystem for solving the systemic plastic challenge
4R is an open Innovation Ecosystem targeting at solving the Plastics Challenge that has been initiated and is orchestrated by CLIC Innovation since 2019.
The ecosystem strives to solve the plastics challenge by building new solutions for enhanced circular economy of plastic-containing products and plastic material as well as develop sustainable alternatives like bio-based solutions to replace conventional fossil-based plastics.
The ecosystem has evolved from 4Recycling to 4R and will continue to have an expanded perspective to address systemic plastic related challenges relating to distribution of foods and goods, enabling sustainable consumption of goods, and enabling sustainable housing, transportation and energy infrastructure.
4R innovation ecosystem has four spearheads (Fig. 2). 4R operates based on formed common Vision and RDI roadmaps to tackle the challenges and to capture the opportunities identified for the 4 spearheads. 4R facilitates cross-sectoral co-operation to jointly carry our market shaping activities for better operational environment, identifies knowledge gaps and prepares collaborative RDI projects to fill the gaps, connects with other ecosystems and selected international actors and collaborators, and collects information on public projects and relevant actors in Europe.
