Abstract
This report assesses the industrial networks and new business models under development in WIDER UPTAKE. Perspectives from previous research on industrial symbiosis, social networks and circular business model experimentation are applied. We find that a mix of stakeholders and the presence of a network orchestrator or bridging actor are characteristic of the networks where industrial symbiosis is emerging. For water reuse, there are pronounced regulatory and organisational barriers, and the networks have a higher share of public stakeholders. While users are represented in some networks, more direct contact with end-users is generally recommended. The identified business models are all associated with positive environmental and social impacts. The economic model is in place and well aligned in some of the cases. However, for water reuse and biocomposite for riverbank protection this layer is less defined, and the balance between costs and revenues is challenging. All the models are to some extent associated with resource dependency, which must be managed carefully, to avoid lock-in scenarios. Furthermore, they interact closely with other value chains and business models. For a large part, this is how they generate economic, environmental, and social value, but it can also be challenging, in terms of value chain management and strategic planning.