<< Background >>The circular economy is a socio-economic change, it is a change in the philosophy of functioning. In order to be fuel to the change, it is key to educate residents so that they are more aware that effective segregation or recycling depends on them, and consequently - care for the environment. Within the circular economy there are different areas of focus, all of equal importance and requiring the ability to take responsibility over decisions made, but with difference steps to follow. Looking at it from the biological point of view, the focus can be from bio-based through biodegradable to compostable. From the technological point of view the focus can start at maintenance through recycling and stop at re-using. This project will focus on the second point of view, dwelling into the issue of smart handling of waste. Ministries of Investment, Development or Entrepreneurship, depending on the country of interest, are responsible for the economy and its sustainable development, for SMEs and entrepreneurship innovation, especially technological innovation.The Consortium will work towards introducing solutions for continuous professional development, focusing on the concepts of waste management and smart use of resources. Through the analysis of current practices implemented by SMEs regarding circular economy, a guide will be written to support initial and continuous professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in both school and work-based settings. Understanding the impact of decisions made and solutions already applied, will foster teaching others on the measures that should be taken. Employees of chambers of commerce, regional development agencies, local authoritiesand centres for entrepreneurship development, as well as VET teachers and trainers will take the role of supporting SMEs, entrepreneurs and start uppers to adopt circular assumptions as a priority. The latter will be induced to implement circular economy assumptions as a priority, taking responsibility over own actions, aware that they have an impact over the environment and the future.<< Objectives >>ObjectivesThe aim of the project is to raise awareness on effective waste management among employees of chambers of commerce, regional development agencies, local authorities and centres for entrepreneurship development, but also VET teachers, trainers and mentors. RAW will foster symbiosis and cooperation between municipalities and entrepreneurs disrupting stereotypical behaviours on handling waste. Inevitable is the fact that solutions should be introduced, on the one hand, forcing, on the other, encouraging businesses and entrepreneurs to increasingly implement eco-design in order to facilitate it and create conditions in which recycling will pay off. However, required are more conscious decisions, taking action from the early stage of a product’s life, starting from the design process, considering what will happen next, how the product will be exploited and whether any of its elements can be re-used in the future. Only then the circular economy strategy has a meaningful impact and isn’t targeted at an action that has already completed its life cycle – which is still usually the case in the realization of the issue among the society.The competitiveness aspect is also valid at the regional level. The regional level connected with circular economy solutions can result in either new or more business connections with other entities, increased turnover, faster and more ecological friendly execution of the supply chain, and being always ready even in the case of unexpected events (for example the request to fulfil a big order). More economically active business entities means richer regions, which can be seen in increased business operations<< Implementation >>The methodology to be applied in the RAW project is based on the ‘’Project cycle management” approach. This consists in implementing work in a number of phases so that the overall activities can be planned, organised, coordinated and controlled effectively and efficiently, to produce the required Project Results (PRs) at the right time, cost and quality. The project activities have already started with preparation to writing this proposal. The phases (PH) involved in our RAW implementation methodology are as outlined below:PH1: Planning Phase (already done)-State-of-the-Art-Review on circular economy, waste management and their use in SMEs;-dentification of target group representatives in each partner country to be invited to contribute via focused groups etc.- Identification of associated partners willing to support the project- Planning roles and preparation of drafts of project working papers, etc.PH2: Solution Development Phase-Design of Guide on circular economy strategies in business environment-Design of Circular economy awareness app media packPH3: Solution Implementation and Testing phase-Development of original RAW chapters training -Development of the RAW digital crash course - Testing of the ROW digital crash coursePH4: Solution Exploitation and Promotion phase- Setting up of RAW project website with preferably an '.eu' domain name- Setting up of RAW channels on social media- Design of Project Logo, leaflet & Multimedia Presentation- Design and development of RAW Digital Newsletters-Approaching European online communities like EPALE to explore using this for promoting project information to relevant stakeholders- Organisation of Multiplier Events in all partner countries;<< Results >>RAW will deliver two main results. However, with the division of results into a few activities, in fact the project expects to deliver more than two results. PR1: Guide on circular economy strategies in business environment The tangible result one (PR1) will be a methodological guide and digital crash course. PR1 will take the form of case studies by professionals already demonstrating a sustainable approach in their business activities and straightforward methodology tackling efficient waste management included in a guide on circularity. As whole, it will be the fundamental material for the implementation of the digital crash course. PR2: Circular economy awareness app This app will be a direct response for the needs of the target groups as specified earlier in this proposal. The target groups will also be in line with the overall description in the previous sections.The Circular Economy Awareness App will be composed of three main parts: learning pills, strategy maker and footprint tracker. The first part, learning pills, will be an extract of the entire course developed in the first result as an OER. In the app only the most important aspects will be included, highlighting the key messages and concepts. This part will be linked with seven topics of the OER, inviting users to access the full course online. Apart from the learning pills, each of the seven topics will have a short quiz that will enable users to check their knowledge of the specific aspects of circular economy.In work-based learning opportunities learners spend a large part of their training path at the workplace. It is therefore crucial that it offers learning opportunities enabling learners to develop skills, knowledge and competences effectively matching labor market needs.The innovative character of the RAW can also be seen in its structure and content. Instead of preparing a lengthy and heavy publication, the manual will rather serve as a trigger, “call to action” and eye-opener micro book.