Istanbul, Türkiye – 11–12 June 2026
CircularPSP partners and procurers from across Europe gathered in Istanbul on 11-12 June 2026 for the project’s final onsite consortium meeting, marking an important milestone as the initiative enters its concluding phase. Hosted by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and TAGES, the meeting provided an opportunity to review progress, prepare for the final project activities, and discuss the long-term impact of CircularPSP’s innovative solutions for circular economy transition.
The two-day event brought together representatives from the CircularPSP consortium, public procurers, technology providers, and key stakeholders committed to accelerating circular and resilient municipal operations through digital innovation.
Reviewing Progress Towards Project Completion
As CircularPSP approaches its final months, consortium partners assessed achievements across the project and discussed next steps for ensuring sustainable uptake and market readiness of the developed solutions. Discussions focused on commercialisation strategies, stakeholder engagement activities, policy relevance, and preparations for upcoming dissemination events in Istanbul and Brussels.
A key topic was the continued development and validation of the project’s remaining AI-powered platforms, VCG.AI and CircularAI, which are supporting municipalities in making more informed and efficient circular procurement decisions.
AI as a Decision-Support Tool for Circular Cities
One of the strongest messages emerging from the meeting was the role of Artificial Intelligence as an enabler rather than a replacement for human expertise.
Drawing on lessons learned during the testing and implementation phases, partners highlighted that AI solutions are most effective when used as decision-support tools that help professionals save time, analyse large volumes of information, and gain alternative perspectives on complex challenges.
The experience gained through CircularPSP reinforces an important principle: AI does not provide the ultimate or perfect answer. Instead, it supports experienced practitioners by offering valuable insights and viewpoints that can inform better decision-making.
This understanding is particularly relevant for public procurement and circular economy planning, where human judgement, local knowledge, and strategic considerations remain essential components of successful outcomes.
Engaging Stakeholders and Building Lasting Impact
Alongside the consortium discussions, CircularPSP partners participated in stakeholder engagement activities in Istanbul, showcasing how digital tools and AI can support cities in accelerating their transition towards more circular and sustainable practices.
The meeting also served as a platform to coordinate upcoming dissemination and exploitation activities, including engagement with European policymakers, public authorities, and innovation ecosystems. These efforts will help ensure that the project’s results continue to create value beyond the formal conclusion of the initiative.
CircularPSP, funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe, has brought together procurers and innovation partners from across Europe to develop next-generation public service platforms that support circular procurement, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable urban transformation.
Thank You to Our Hosts
The CircularPSP consortium extends its sincere thanks to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) for their excellent organisation and warm hospitality. Their support provided the ideal setting for productive discussions, collaboration, and reflection on the project’s achievements and future legacy.
As CircularPSP moves towards its final stage, the consortium remains committed to delivering practical, scalable solutions that empower cities and public authorities to accelerate Europe’s transition towards a circular economy.