From March 12–14, 2025, the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering (FGG) hosted a three-day event focused on collaborative research, data sharing, and advancing regenerative economy innovation. This meeting, organized within the CROSS-REIS project, brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and explore synergies in circular economy, sustainable urban development, and digital innovation.
The event opened with the Resilient Futures Conference, exploring the integration of circular and regenerative principles with smart strategies for sustainable urban infrastructure. Experts discussed the role of smart technologies, predictive analytics, and automation in optimizing energy use, urban planning, and environmental resilience. The discussions highlighted the importance of green infrastructure, such as urban forests and wetlands, in supporting biodiversity and stormwater management. The day concluded with a roundtable on future collaborations, identifying research opportunities among project partners.
The second day featured a series of presentations and site visits, offering insights into Ljubljana’s climate initiatives, regenerative economy strategies, and digital infrastructure. City representatives introduced the Mission 100 Climate-Neutral Cities project, while researchers from the University of Ljubljana shared updates on the RE:GEN-U project and circular economy initiatives. The day wrapped up with a discussion on Living Labs, led by Dr. Carlo Sessa.
The final day of the event took participants to Vrhnika, a pioneering municipality in zero waste initiatives. Local representatives presented waste management strategies and circular economy solutions, including innovative separate waste collection systems and recycling projects. A guided tour of the Saubermacher waste collection center and DEPO recycling hub provided hands-on insights into sustainable resource management. The meeting concluded with a strategic session on CROSS-REIS project activities, ensuring continued collaboration and future joint actions.
The Ljubljana meeting reinforced the CROSS-REIS commitment to knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary cooperation, paving the way for enhanced research collaboration on regenerative urban solutions.