The European Commission has published a new I3 Instrument insight article featuring I4-GREEN as a good practice example of how interregional cooperation can strengthen the EU’s raw materials value chains while supporting the green and circular transition of the mining sector.
The article presents I4-GREEN as a project that successfully builds on long-standing collaboration between European regions, industry, research organisations and clusters to move from policy coordination and research towards industrial deployment and investment-ready solutions. Funded under the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument, I4-GREEN focuses on the implementation of innovative, sustainable and circular mining technologies.
Special attention is given to the project’s two industrial pilot projects in Extremadura and Andalusia (Spain), which demonstrate advanced solutions for mineral recovery, waste valorisation and lower-impact processing. The article also highlights the active involvement of SMEs, supported through open calls, cascade funding and tailored business services, as a key factor for innovation uptake and regional ecosystem development.
In addition to the online article, the European Commission has published a comprehensive insight report (PDF) that provides a detailed overview of the I4-GREEN journey, project design, pilot results, impacts, replicability potential and lessons learned for future I3 initiatives.
🔗 Read the full article on the European Commission website:
https://interregional-innovation-investments.ec.europa.eu/news/new-i3-support-facility-insight-article-i4-green-case