Circular Economy: Unlocking Scotland’s Economic Potential

An event co-produced by EDAS & Zero Waste Scotland

Scotland is at a critical inflection point, transitioning from a fossil-fuel-driven economic model to a circular economy - one that prioritises sustainability, resource efficiency, and social equity. This shift is essential to building a prosperous, fair, and green economy, aligned with the urgent global imperative to address climate change and environmental degradation.

Join us for an insightful and future-focused event that explores how embracing circular economy principles can drive innovation, create new business opportunities, and enhance community wellbeing - while protecting the planet.

This event draws on the recently published EDAS think piece, "Circularity - A Material Development in Economic Innovation", which makes a compelling case for embedding circularity at the heart of Scotland’s economic model. It explores how circularity is not only an environmental issue, but a transformative economic force, reshaping supply chains, investment strategies, and local economies.

As highlighted in the EDAS news article “Time to Rewire Scotland’s Economy to Drive Sustainable Circular Economic Growth”, Scotland’s circular economy journey is about rethinking consumption and production, reimagining waste as a valuable resource, and creating resilient economic systems that benefit everyone.

Expect engaging discussion and strategic insight from some of Scotland’s most respected voices in economic development and sustainability:

• Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland
• Neil McInroy, Chair of EDAS
  
• David McPhee, Deputy Director Circular Economy, Scottish Government 
• Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero, Nature & Entrepreneurship, South of Scotland Enterprise
• Professor Mairi Spowage, Professor of Practice and Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute

This is not just a conversation - it’s a call to action. The transition to a circular economy demands leadership, collaboration, and bold thinking across all sectors of society. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping Scotland’s next economic chapter.

Agenda

2:00 Welcome

Neil McInroy, Chair of EDAS

2:05 Think piece Overview: Circularity – A Material Development in Economic Innovation

Neil McInroy, Chair of EDAS

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland

2:15 Time to Rewire Scotland’s Economy

Neil McInroy in conversation with Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, will draw on their recently published think piece, “Circularity – A Material Development in Economic Innovation”, which makes a compelling case for embedding circularity at the heart of Scotland’s economic model.

2:35 Panel Response and Discussion

Facilitated by Neil McInroy

Our panel responds and in sharing their views, builds on how Scotland will drive a circular economy journey that will rethink consumption and production, reimagining waste as a valuable resource, and creating resilient economic systems that benefit everyone.

Panel Guests

David McPhee, Deputy Director Circular Economy, Scottish Government

Professor Mairi Spowage, Professor of Practice and Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute

Martin Valenti, Director for NetZero, Nature & Entrepreneurship at South of Scotland Enterprise

2:55 Audience Response and Discussion

3:10 Call to Action and Next Steps – Neil McInroy and Iain Gulland (close 3:15)

Privacy

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