Impuls für eine wirtschaftspolitische Agenda

Prof. Dr. Henning Wilts
Dr. Holger Berg
Nicole Seyring
Tilmann Vahle
Sophie Herrmann
Marlene Kick
Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum

Die Wirtschaft der Zukunft wird zirkulär sein. Wirtschaftliches Handeln wird bestrebt sein, die natürlichen Ressourcen zu erhalten und weiteren Schaden von Mensch und Natur fernzuhalten. Wohlstand soll möglich sein, ohne die natürlichen
Grundlagen zu verbrauchen oder zu entwerten. Eine so verstandene Kreislaufwirtschaft setzt bereits bei der Frage an, wozu ein Produkt, eine Dienstleistung dienen soll – wie muss es gestaltet, geformt sein? Welches Material muss verwendet werden?
Kann es als Service bereitgestellt werden, ohne materielle Gestalt annehmen zu müssen? Wie ist das Geschäftsmodell und wie ist der Nutzungspfad, der am Ende des Lebenszyklus sicherstellt, dass möglichst viele der eingesetzten Ressourcen Eingang in einen neuen Produktzyklus findet?

Productively combining economic performance and social participation - that is the core idea and the recipe for success of the social market economy. However, climate change and the limitation of natural resources, a declining labour force, globalisation processes and digital change are putting our previous economic and social model under pressure.
To ensure that the social market economy remains a reliable model for future
generations, we must transform it into a sustainable social market economy.
The decisive factor here is whether the German SME sector succeeds in becoming the driving force behind this transformation. After all, broad social participation and prosperity continue to depend on the existence of a strong SME sector that offers many people throughout the country good jobs. To achieve this, SMEs must actively tackle the transition to a decarbonised and circular economy - companies must
tap into market potential and the opportunity to become technology leaders in
sustainable future fields. However, this can only succeed if companies are active innovators and embedded in strong innovation ecosystems. This focus paper is part of our series with research-based solutions for a strong SME innovation landscape.

Circular Valley connects innovative start-ups with leading industry partners to foster sustainable value creation. Through think tanks, cross-industry round tables, and expert forums, Circular Valley provides a unique platform for collaboration between business, science, politics, and society. By building strong networks and partnerships, it enables shared learning, shapes policy recommendations, and accelerates the development of circular solutions across sectors — from construction and mobility to plastics and chemical recycling.

The shift from a linear to a circular economy is one of the greatest challenges of our time — and it requires a new way of thinking, collaborating, and networking. Circular Valley brings together pioneers from business, science, and society to drive sustainable value creation. At the heart of this ecosystem is the Circular Valley Convention — a unique platform for cross-sector exchange and innovation. Powered by the Circular Valley Competences Matrix and soon enhanced by AI, Circular Valley enables smart, value-adding connections that accelerate circular solutions. It’s where the key ingredients for a sustainable future come together.