This document discusses scaling up circular economy innovations in the construction sector. It outlines barriers to scaling, including financial investment challenges, risk aversion in the low-margin construction sector, split incentives across the value chain, and resistance to change. It then presents a program with four workstreams to help circular scale-ups and their business partners overcome these barriers: 1) research on best practices for scaling, 2) hands-on coaching for scale-ups, 3) collaborations on large circular projects, and 4) training for contractors on circular contracting. The goal is to triple the probability of scale-ups succeeding and accelerate the transition to a circular construction industry.

1. supported by The Goldschmeding Foundation
Initiated by
Hoe slopen we de barrières op weg naar een circulaire
bouwsector?

2. Initiated by
ecosystem
the

3. The challenge for young
innovative companies is to get
through the scale-up phase • From 10 FTE team to 100 FTE
company
• From founder to CEO
• From first to recurring revenues
• From projects to processes
• From first product to innovation
pipeline
• From national to international
Second valley
of death
Scale-up
Start-up

4. We offer
a dedicated program
for scale-ups and
their business
partners with 4
workstreams
01. RESEARCH
A handbook on ‘Best Practices for Scaling in the Circular Economy’, based on our
analysis on success factors for circular scale-ups. And a tool for circular scale-ups in
the program to track and report their impact on the circular economy.
02. scaleupcircular
A hands-on coaching and educational program to help 8 scale-ups with their
strategic and operational challenges to scale. We triple your probability to scale.
03. circular landmark projects
Collaborations between participating scale-ups and their business partners,
construction contractors, to co-create large iconic circular projects.
04. circular contracting
Masterclasses for employees of construction contractors to prepare your
organization for circular contracting and successful collaboration with circular scale-
ups.
advocacy & communication
Get exposure in the industry and at policy level where the program accelerates the
movement and creates a favorable context.

6. BARRIERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Construction sector
Financial investment
Low-margin and risk
averse sector
Split incentive
Circular strategy ≠
circular projects
Scale-ups
Sales tenders
Business case
A link in the value
chain
Digital supply chain &
transparency
Specialized financing
Commissioners
Resistance to change
Different worlds and
languages
Internal alignment
and scale
Limited circular
expertise
Unfavorable context

7. Split incentive
Photo by Markus Spiske
Split incentive

8. Circular
Commissioners
Strategize for support
Co-create impact
Train business
partners
Engage the
organization
Construction sector
Make affordable
Invest in growth
Assure quality
Create long-term
relations
Strategize for support
Scale-ups
Upfront gains
Construction quality
Modular solutions
Adaptability to local
context
Persuasive storytelling
Collaboration
Shorten the sales cycle
Assure quality
Bridge the gap
Create long-term
relations
Share success
SUCCES FACTORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

10. supported by The Goldschmeding Foundation
Initiated by
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