The DACE project – a Data Competence Center for Circular Economy Data – was conceived to bridge the critical gap between the need for high‑quality circular‑economy data and the current lack of systematic data collection, integration, and analysis. The initiative was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the national data strategy and the BMBF research‑data action plan. The first five‑month funding phase, running from 1 December 2022 to 30 April 2023, focused on developing a comprehensive implementation concept that would later serve as the basis for a full three‑year grant application.

The technical and scientific core of the project lies in establishing a robust data ecosystem that supports the entire circular‑economy value chain. The implementation concept outlines a three‑fold activity structure: learning, research, and networking. In the learning domain, the project will design training modules and workshops to build data literacy among researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, ensuring that users can effectively interpret and apply circular‑economy data. The research component will develop curation criteria and quality standards for CE data, addressing the current fragmentation of data sources and the difficulty of measuring and capturing complex product life‑cycle information. By creating a standardized framework, DACE aims to enable reliable data aggregation across diverse sectors, thereby facilitating evidence‑based decision making for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling strategies. The networking arm will connect the project to the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) and other relevant actors, fostering collaboration and data sharing across disciplines.

A key deliverable of the concept is a sustainability plan that ensures the long‑term operation of the data competence center beyond the initial funding period. This includes a financial model, governance structure, and a strategy for continuous stakeholder engagement. The project also incorporates a science‑communication strategy to disseminate findings through publications, conferences, and digital platforms, although no publications have yet been produced during the initial phase. The concept further addresses ecological, ethical, legal, and social aspects (ELSA), ensuring that data practices align with broader sustainability and societal goals.

The collaboration framework is anchored by a consortium of five institutions, each contributing complementary expertise. The Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, Energy provides policy and environmental science perspectives; Bergische University Wuppertal brings engineering and materials science knowledge; the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) contributes advanced data analytics and AI capabilities; Hochschule Pforzheim offers industrial and design insights; and RWTH Aachen supplies technical and computational resources. Regular virtual meetings and joint drafting sessions were held to refine the concept, and support letters from potential partners were secured to demonstrate the consortium’s commitment. The consortium’s collective effort ensured that the implementation concept was submitted on time, with expenditures and timelines strictly adhered to; the federal share of 27,565.12 EUR was almost fully utilized, leaving only a 300‑Euro shortfall.

In summary, the DACE project’s first phase successfully produced a detailed implementation concept that lays the groundwork for a data competence center capable of advancing circular‑economy research and practice. By integrating learning, research, and networking activities, establishing data standards, and planning for sustainability, the project positions itself to become a pivotal resource for stakeholders seeking to harness data for a more circular and resilient economy. The collaborative effort of the five partner institutions, supported by BMBF funding, demonstrates a coordinated approach to building the necessary data infrastructure and expertise for the circular‑economy transition.