On June 26, 2024, the CIRCOLIVE Project was prominently featured at the R2B – Research to Business Expo in Bologna, Italy, thanks to a successful Info Day organized by Agrifood Clust-ER in collaboration with Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna and IFOA. Hosted at one of Italy’s leading innovation and research events, the CIRCOLIVE Info Day brought together more than 40 participants—both on-site and online—marking another important milestone in the project’s outreach efforts.

The R2B Expo, organized by ART-ER and BolognaFiere, serves as a major platform for connecting innovators, researchers, and businesses across Europe. It was the perfect venue for showcasing CIRCOLIVE’s mission: to strengthen circular economy competencies across the olive oil sector in five Mediterranean countries—Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia—through education, collaboration, and sustainable innovation.

The session began with an introduction by Dr. Laura Castellan from Agrifood Clust-ER, who provided an overview of the CIRCOLIVE Project, its Erasmus+ funding framework, and its long-term vision. She emphasized the project’s commitment to building practical skills and fostering cross-sector collaboration to enhance the sustainability of olive oil production.

Following this, Dr. Marco Foschini and Professor Tullia Gallina Toschi of the University of Bologna presented how CIRCOLIVE aligns with regional innovation strategies. They highlighted synergies with public-private initiatives such as the Olive Oil Focus Group in Emilia-Romagna, demonstrating how local networks can support circular practices at scale.

Professor Enrico Valli and Dr. Mario Guida provided a deeper look into the challenges currently facing the industry. Drawing on data collected through CIRCOLIVE surveys, they discussed key gaps in circulares knowledge and implementation. Dr. Guida also presented current research focused on hydrocarbon contamination in extra virgin olive oil—a pressing issue for both environmental safety and product quality in the region.

Closing the session, Arsonela Sorra from IFOA introduced a suite of new training programs developed as part of CIRCOLIVE’s educational component. These programs aim to equip young professionals and industry experts with the skills needed to adopt circular approaches within the olive oil value chain. She highlighted the importance of transnational education and lifelong learning in ensuring long-term impact.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session and informal networking, allowing participants to exchange ideas, forge connections, and explore collaboration opportunities. The enthusiasm and engagement shown by attendees underscored the growing interest in sustainable solutions and the pivotal role that education and innovation will play in the olive oil sector’s future.

This Info Day in Bologna reaffirmed CIRCOLIVE’s relevance at the intersection of research, industry, and policy—paving the way for deeper collaboration and greener practices in Mediterranean agriculture.