The call for sustainable strategies is louder than ever. However, the integration of sustainable practices is characterized by a reality that presents companies with enormous challenges due to its complexity and diversity.

Against this backdrop, we launched our interorganizational research project "Test-Before-Invest: Sensemaking" in 2023, in which company representatives from KEBA AG and Rosenbauer International AG were able to identify, discuss and design ideas for circular economy strategies.

Based on the premise of designing recyclable products or making existing products more recyclable, we organized several sensemaking workshops in cooperation with the Linz Center of Mechatronics, the Circular Economy Forum Austria and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. Using scientifically supported methods (visioning, business modeling, roadmapping, backcasting...), circular innovation processes were outlined and initial measures were initiated. The research project was characterized by our ISM spirit: an open, cross-company exchange that repeatedly encouraged the participants to think outside the box!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our project partners for their support in terms of content, as well as our participants for the inspiring discussions.