ECO: Territorial Ecosystem and Regeneration

1. Definition and Issues

The “Territorial Ecosystem and Regeneration” pillar concerns the way in which the company interacts with its local environment: other businesses, local authorities, territorial stakeholders, as well as the natural resources that surround it.

Within a circular economy framework, the company does not operate in isolation. It is part of a network of stakeholders with whom it can cooperate to optimise resources, pool solutions or create new synergies.

For a micro or small-to-medium enterprise, this also means becoming aware of its impact on the territory and, progressively, contributing to its preservation and even its regeneration.

Key issues:

• Developing local cooperation
• Identifying opportunities for pooling or synergies
• Strengthening the company’s territorial roots
• Contributing positively to the environment and the local fabric

2. What does a good score mean?

A high score indicates that the company is already connected to its territory and that it is developing active relationships with its ecosystem.

In practice:

• The company collaborates with local stakeholders (suppliers, partners, networks…)
• It takes part in collective dynamics (networks, projects, events…)
• It identifies opportunities for synergies (resource sharing, flow valorisation…)
• It takes its local impact into account in its activities
• It can contribute to initiatives with a positive impact (environmental or social)

The company no longer operates alone: it integrates into a logic of cooperation.

3. What does a low score mean?

A low score means that the company is poorly connected to its environment and operates mainly in isolation.

This may translate into:

• Few or no relationships with local stakeholders
• A lack of awareness of existing initiatives in the territory
• Unexploited collaboration opportunities
• A dependency on distant or insufficiently engaged partners
• A limited contribution to local dynamism

The company misses out on potential solutions and remains alone in facing its constraints.

4. Priority action pathways

1) Identify the key stakeholders in its territory

Identify relevant businesses, networks, local authorities or associations.

Example: map the local stakeholders linked to its activity (suppliers, customers, potential partners).

2) Join a local or sectoral network

Integrate into an existing collective dynamic.

Example: join a local business network or an initiative related to the circular economy.

3) Explore synergies with other businesses

Identify collaboration opportunities around resources or needs.

Example: a company valorises its waste by making it available to another organisation.

4) Foster local partnerships

Work more closely with territorial stakeholders.

Example: favour a local supplier to reduce transport and support the local economy.

5) Participate in territorial initiatives

Get involved in collective projects or events.

Example: take part in a territorial project on waste reduction or the circular economy.

6) Initiate a locally impactful action

Contribute directly to an improvement of the territory.

Example: organise an awareness-raising action or support a local environmental initiative.

5. Expected benefits

Being part of an ecosystem means no longer acting alone and multiplying opportunities.

In the short term:

• Discovery of new solutions and partners
• Better understanding of one’s environment
• First exchanges and collaborations

In the medium term:

• Pooling of resources or services
• Reduction of certain costs (transport, materials…)
• Strengthening of local roots

In the long term:

• Integration into a resilient and dynamic ecosystem
• Creation of new economic opportunities
• Positive contribution to the territory and the environment