The Estonian SocKETs Lab
Our science centre tried a novel approach to expert engagement in 2021: we set up a SocKETs lab for local circular economy stakeholders. We brought together citizens, NGOs and businesses, academics and funding agencies and asked them to discuss the issues of KETs-related public engagement activities in 3 workshops. We also asked for feedback on the information to be displayed at this SocKETs exhibition and this is what happened…
During the first 2 workshops the experts listed the challenges faced in Estonia while switching from a linear to a circular economy model, pinpointing the lack of specialists, the high price of new technologies and stakeholders’ reluctancy to collaborate as main roadblocks.
In the 3rd workshop, the participants suggested that the SocKETs exhibition should include practical examples of functional circular products and services and relatable suggestions to help people make better choices.