Cardiff Met pilot scheme opens door to circular economy innovation in Wales, evaluation finds

A Welsh Government-backed pilot scheme helping organisations take their first steps into the circular economy is successfully lowering barriers to innovation, according to a new independent evaluation.

The ‘New to Circular Economy’ scheme, delivered by the Circular Economy Innovation Communities Project (CEIC) at Cardiff Metropolitan University, offered grants of up to £10,000 for feasibility studies, designed as a stepping stone into larger programmes.

The evaluation found the pilot directly addressed a long-standing gap in the innovation landscape. Many organisations, particularly SMEs and those new to circular economy principles, view existing funding programmes as complex, high-risk, and difficult to access. By lowering barriers to entry and enabling early feasibility testing, the pilot has helped reduce that risk while creating a clearer pathway into larger funding opportunities.

Support from CEIC emerged as a critical factor in the scheme’s success, helping applicants refine ideas and navigate the process.

Dr Gary Walpole, Director of Circular Economy Innovation Communities, said: “This programme has helped open the door for organisations whose ideas might otherwise struggle to gain traction at an early stage. This is about more than individual projects – it’s about creating a pipeline of innovation and a community around it. If we can continue to refine the model, extend its reach, and keep the focus on accessibility, there is real potential to accelerate circular economy activity right across Wales.”

While the £10,000 grant was seen as appropriate for feasibility work, some smaller businesses felt the administrative burden outweighed the funding. The evaluation also found uncertainty around match funding, reporting requirements, and eligibility criteria.

Despite this, applicants valued the feedback and challenge provided through the assessment process, even when unsuccessful.

Dr Walpole added: “If we want to widen participation, we need funding that is proportionate, accessible and well-supported, especially for smaller organisations.”

The report recommends clearer guidance, simpler processes, and stronger positioning of the scheme as a gateway into wider innovation funding. It also calls for greater regional reach and continued investment in CEIC’s intermediary role.

Watch a video case study from one of the businesses helped by the pilot scheme: