The document is structured into multiple chapters, each addressing critical aspects such as CE indicators, innovation in the semiconductor industry, entrepreneurial ecosystems, university contributions, and mapping CE research in Italy. Specifically, the Deliverable is articulated in two sections. 

The first one concerns the exploitation of the CE indicators presented in Deliverable 5.1.1 to dig into the dynamics of CE-related innovation in sectors and geographical areas, focusing on the different actors of the innovation ecosystem. The second section focuses instead on selected case studies based on the Made in Italy specializations. In the first chapter, a new taxonomy for circular patents was developed to classify technologies based on patent descriptions and CPC/IPC codes. Using a keyword approach, the study found 32,385 circular patents (3.19% of total EU patents from 1997 to 2019), significantly expanding the dataset compared to previous methods. The study further explores the relationship between circular patents and imported emissions in the manufacturing sector. The findings indicate that circular patents contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with imported goods, supporting both climate mitigation and strategic autonomy. 

The second chapter focuses on the semiconductor industry, which is critical to emerging digital technologies but heavily reliant on rare earth elements. Many companies still follow a linear production model with limited recycling or waste management strategies. A dataset of patents from 2014-2023 was analyzed to classify CE patents in the semiconductor industry. The research examined national and international collaborations, finding that diverse partnerships enhance CE innovation. A Disruptiveness Index was created to measure the transformative impact of circular patents based on novelty, influence, and inventor diversity. Collaboration between firms, universities, and research institutions significantly enhances patent value by integrating diverse knowledge sources. Regional dynamics show that knowledge networks across regions and borders play a vital role in fostering CE innovations. 

Chapter 3 analyzes innovative startups that are essential for CE-driven economic transformation. However, existing metrics do not effectively capture their growth potential. A predictive analytics approach was used to assess the scaling potential of CE startups in Italy. AI-based classification of startup business models was employed to identify CE-related startups. The study found that CE startups are concentrated in Northern and Central Italy, though Southern regions exhibit a higher proportion of CEfocused ventures relative to total startups. Entrepreneurial ecosystems in Southern Italy show potential for CE growth, requiring targeted policy interventions. 

Chapter 4 presents evidence concerning Higher education institutions (HEIs), which may play a critical role in advancing CE through research, teaching, and innovation. The study examines how universities contribute to CE and how sustainability rankings reflect their efforts. A CE Score was proposed to evaluate universities' involvement in CE based on courses, publications, research centers, and patents. The study examined the relationship between sustainability rankings and CE performance, using data from 75 Italian universities (2010-2023). A causal link was found between sustainability rankings and CE performance, demonstrating that universities respond strategically to ranking criteria. While universities improve in ranking metrics, nonmeasured sustainability initiatives (e.g., patents, spin-offs) tend to decline, indicating a potential misalignment of incentives. 

In chapter 5 a novel methodology combining machine learning, language models, and topic modeling is exploited to map CE innovations through patent data. 864,714 European patent families were identified as CE-related, surpassing previous classification methods. CE patents are categorized under five key principles (5Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, and Refurbish) and ten technology areas (e.g., Adaptive Materials, Waste Management, Battery Recycling). The analysis found that CE patenting activity has been growing but declined after 2010, aligning with broader green patenting trends. Geographically, CE innovation is concentrated in industrial hubs like Paris, Helsinki, and Milan. The most significant contributions come from chemical manufacturing, special-purpose machinery, and battery technologies. Leading companies include Procter & Gamble, Samsung, Siemens, Robert Bosch, and Novozymes, all of which contribute extensively to CE patents in different domains. 

The second section of the report explores case studies on Circular Economy (CE) innovation, focusing on the role of digital platforms, stakeholder engagement, and cognitive biases in CE adoption. It emphasizes the need for collaborative ecosystems, technological advancements, and behavioral insights to accelerate the transition from linear to circular models. The first chapter explores the Role of Digital Platforms and Ecosystems in CE. Key findings are the following. Digital platforms serve as innovation infrastructures, fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and value co-creation. The study identifies how multi-stakeholder networks leverage digital platforms to support CE transitions. The Italian Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ICESP) is highlighted as a successful case of a digital ecosystem facilitating CE initiatives. ICESP fosters collaboration among businesses, research institutions, and policymakers to develop and disseminate best practices for CE. Digital platforms support regulatory compliance, market innovations, and knowledge dissemination, ensuring broader engagement in CE activities. 

Chapter 2 analyzes the role of Stakeholder Engagement and Digital Transformation to enable circularity in the Textile Industry. It stresses that the textile industry, known for its environmental impact, can benefit from CE strategies such as reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling. Digital Technologies (DTs), including blockchain and artificial intelligence, enhance traceability, optimize supply chains, and enable sustainable production. Stakeholder engagement is crucial in integrating DTs into CE business models, promoting transparency, and improving sustainability outcomes. The study presents multiple case studies from Italian luxury fashion firms, demonstrating how collaboration and digitalization facilitate CE transitions. Strategic partnerships between companies, technology providers, and policymakers drive the successful implementation of circular practices in textiles. 

The last chapter explores the role of cognitive Biases in the CE transition and the implications for stakeholder engagement and decision-Making. It highlights that cognitive biases may hinder CE adoption by influencing stakeholder decisionmaking, creating resistance to change, and limiting long-term sustainability commitments. Status quo bias, temporal discounting, and single-action bias are identified as key psychological barriers to CE implementation. Availability bias influences decision-making by prioritizing short-term financial goals over long-term sustainability benefits. 

Addressing these biases requires targeted interventions such as education, financial incentives, and behavioral nudges to encourage circular business practices. Policymakers and businesses must recognize the role of cognitive biases in shaping attitudes towards CE and design strategies that mitigate these challenges. In sum this study provides both methodological and empirical contributions to CE research, highlighting the need for improved circularity indicators, fostering CE innovation in key industries, and supporting startups and universities in adopting CE practices. Moreover, it stresses the interconnected role of digital transformation, stakeholder collaboration, and behavioral economics in accelerating CE adoption.