From consuming more to using better: The functional economy as a driver of Brussels’ economic transition

Closing event of the ‘Brufonctionnel ’ project (in English)

Since 2018, the ‘Brufonctionnel’ project (held in ICHEC Brussels Management School, Belgium, in partnership with Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège; financed by Innoviris) has been investigating the development of sustainable product-service systems (PSS, also called functional economy) in the Brussels-Capital Region. The main objective of this research was to identify and analyze the socio-technical and behavioral barriers to the development of sustainable PSS in Brussels. Through qualitative fieldwork and a survey on a sample of the Brussels population, we have studied sustainable PSS in their regional ecosystem using both transition and practice theories. It is now time to share and discuss the results of this research project.

Program preview:

• Presentation of the main results from the ‘Brufonctionnel’ project
• Discussion of the results by public policy actors. Panelists:

1. Anthony Naralingom, Strategic Advisor to the General Management of Hub.brussels
2. Marie Vanderheyden, Advisor on Innovative Business Models in the Office of Secretary of State Barbara Trachte

• Keynote talks by two international guest speakers:

1. Prof. Nancy Bocken (Maastricht Sustainability Institute, Maastricht University (NL))
2. "Two case studies of SPSS – the role of possession" by Dr. Maurizio Catulli (Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Hertfordshire (UK))

Possible to attend remotely.

CST required. The event may be adapted according to the sanitary conditions.