- Introductory Remarks
- Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using Circular Economy Practices
- Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using Green Building Practices
- Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using Community Gardening Practices
- Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using: Green Buildings, Circular Economy and Community Gardening Practices
- Final Remarks
Doc Summary
Introductory Remarks #
This document is a Section 2 of the BeCom Reference Guide, and it presents the Roadmap – a practical, structured pathway for fostering knowledge creation and sustainable transformation within communities. Building on the foundations established in the guide’s opening section, this part operationalizes the BeCom project’s vision by translating its core principles into actionable steps across real-world pilots.
The roadmap leverages the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM), which integrates five societal domains—education, politics, society, economy, and the natural environment—to ensure a holistic approach to community innovation. Each domain is addressed through targeted objectives, tasks, deliverables, and evaluation criteria, ensuring that strategies are both comprehensive and adaptable to local contexts.
A defining feature of the roadmap is its alignment with the New European Bauhaus (NEB) principles: sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. These values are embedded throughout, guiding the design and implementation of pilots in circular economy, Green building, and community gardening. Each pilot serves as an anchor for knowledge creation, demonstrating how cross-sector collaboration and community engagement can drive systemic change.
The section details concrete actions for each helix, from policy co-creation and educational curriculum development to startup incubation, community empowerment, and ecological regeneration. It also outlines mechanisms for network formation, digital learning, and continuous evaluation, ensuring that the roadmap is dynamic and responsive to evolving needs.
Knowledge Creation
Phase 2
Evaluation
Phase 4
START
Stakeholder Mobilisation
Phase 1
Pilot Networks
Phase 3
Scaling
Phase 5
Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using Circular Economy Practices #
Case Anchor: Circular Economy Pilot #
Utilize a community-level example of circular economy implementation (e.g., local material reuse hubs, zero-waste districts) as a central knowledge driver.
Integration with New European Bauhaus (NEB) Principles:
- Sustainability: Prioritize reuse, recycling, zero waste, and regenerative systems.
- Aesthetics: Encourage functional and beautiful designs using upcycled or sustainable materials.
- Inclusion: Ensure all demographics can access and benefit from circular economy initiatives.
Phase | Description | Timeline |
Phase 1 | Stakeholder Mobilization & Visioning | Months 1–3 |
Phase 2 | Knowledge Creation & Cross-Helix Integration | Months 4–9 |
Phase 3 | Pilot Innovation Networks | Months 10–15 |
Phase 4 | Evaluation & Policy Alignment | Months 16–18 |
Phase 5 | Replication & Scaling | Months 19–24 |
1. Political System (Governance)
Objective: Enable policy frameworks that support local circular economy ecosystems.
Tasks:
- Task 1.1: Policy Landscape Mapping
Steps: Audit existing policies
Actions: Identify regulatory gaps and enablers
Deliverables: Circular economy policy map
Outputs: Policy framework reports
- Task 1.2: Circular Policy Co-Creation
Steps: Engage stakeholders in roundtables
Actions: Draft local ordinances supporting reuse, repair, sharing economy
Deliverables: Model policies and advocacy documents
Outputs: Inclusive, enabling policy environment
Evaluation Criteria: Number of supportive policies enacted; regulatory changes
2. Education System (Universities, R&D)
Objective: Cultivate knowledge and skills for circular design and systems thinking.
Tasks:
- Task 2.1: Circular Curriculum Development
Steps: Co-develop modules with educators and practitioners
Actions: Embed sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion into educational content
Deliverables: Open-source learning materials
Outputs: Informed student body
- Task 2.2: Applied Research & Innovation Labs
Steps: Launch university-industry-community labs
Actions: Test circular product life cycles, materials, and services
Deliverables: Research reports, prototypes
Outputs: Data-informed innovation
Evaluation Criteria: Curricula integrated; research publications and prototypes developed
3. Economic System (Business & Industry)
Objective: Promote business models rooted in reuse, sharing, and material cycles.
Tasks:
- Task 3.1: Circular Startup Incubation
Steps: Identify entrepreneurs and opportunities
Actions: Provide seed funding and mentorship
Deliverables: Circular business plans and MVPs
Outputs: Local job creation and circular services
- Task 3.2: Supply Chain Redesign for Circularity
Steps: Map material flows
Actions: Redesign processes for closed loops
Deliverables: Case studies, new operational models
Outputs: Waste reduction, efficiency gains
Evaluation Criteria: Number of circular enterprises; material recovery rates
4. Civil Society (Community & Social Actors)
Objective: Engage residents in co-creation and behaviour change toward circular living.
Tasks:
- Task 4.1: Zero-Waste Community Hubs
Steps: Identify local champions
Actions: Co-create sharing libraries, repair cafés
Deliverables: Community-run hubs
Outputs: Behavioural shifts and waste reduction
- Task 4.2: Inclusion-Focused Campaigns
Steps: Host storytelling events
Actions: Engage marginalized groups in upcycling workshops, public art
Deliverables: Community narratives and creative outputs
Outputs: Culturally inclusive participation
Evaluation Criteria: Community engagement rates; inclusive reach of campaigns
5. Natural Environment (Sustainability)
Objective: Reduce ecological footprint through regenerative, closed-loop systems.
Tasks:
- Task 5.1: Waste Stream Redirection
Steps: Conduct material audits
Actions: Divert waste through composting, recycling, reuse
Deliverables: Urban metabolism dashboards
Outputs: Decreased landfill contribution
- Task 5.2: Nature-Based Solutions & Design
Steps: Implement biophilic and eco-design principles
Actions: Integrate living walls, water-saving systems, nature loops
Deliverables: Design templates and blueprints
Outputs: Visibly green, climate-resilient spaces
Evaluation Criteria: Waste diverted; ecosystem services enhanced
Community-Based QHM Actors & Innovation Networks #
Table 2 Roles and Contributions:
Helix | Actor Example | Role |
Political | City Planners | Enable circular-friendly urban policy |
Education | Eco-Design Academics | Generate system insights |
Economic | Social Enterprises | Offer reuse/repair/upcycle services |
Social | Community Cooperatives | Anchor inclusion and behavioral engagement |
Environment | Circular Ecologists | Ensure ecological integrity and knowledge flows |
Innovation Network Formation Steps:
Create inter-helix working groups
Launch neighbourhood-scale circular pilot projects
Share real-time data and success stories
Establish mutual learning platforms and toolkits
Formalize partnerships with feedback loops
Scale through NEB-aligned city initiatives
Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using Green building Practices #
Case Anchor: Green building Pilot #
Utilize a real or modelled example of a successful Green building (e.g., energy-positive community centre) as a central knowledge generator.
Phase | Description | Timeline |
Phase 1 | Stakeholder Mobilization & Visioning | Months 1–3 |
Phase 2 | Knowledge Creation & Cross-Helix Integration | Months 4–9 |
Phase 3 | Pilot Innovation Networks | Months 10–15 |
Phase 4 | Evaluation & Policy Alignment | Months 16–18 |
Phase 5 | Replication & Scaling | Months 19–24 |
1. Political System (Governance)
Objective: Align policy frameworks with sustainability through green buildings.
Tasks:
- Task 1.1: Stakeholder Mapping & Policy Audit
Steps: Identify stakeholders, conduct policy review
Actions: Interviews, data collection
Deliverables: Stakeholder map, gap analysis
Outputs: Strategic alignment document
- Task 1.2: Policy Co-Creation Workshops
Steps: Host participatory events
Actions: Draft sustainable policy proposals
Deliverables: Policy drafts
Outputs: Improved governance model
Evaluation Criteria: Number of policies influenced; engagement rate
2. Education System (Universities, R&D)
Objective: Disseminate Green building knowledge through education and research.
Tasks:
- Task 2.1: Curriculum Integration
Steps: Partner with educators
Actions: Develop sustainability modules
Deliverables: Curriculum toolkit
Outputs: Teaching materials
- Task 2.2: Research & Innovation Labs
Steps: Establish living labs
Actions: Conduct joint studies
Deliverables: Case studies, prototypes
Outputs: Innovation hubs
Evaluation Criteria: Number of participants; research output
3. Economic System (Business & Industry)
Objective: Stimulate green entrepreneurship.
Tasks:
- Task 3.1: Innovation Incubators
Steps: Set up incubators
Actions: Support startups
Deliverables: Business models
Outputs: Green SME ecosystem
- Task 3.2: Procurement & Incentives
Steps: Develop supply chain links
Actions: Policy alignment with economic goals
Deliverables: Incentive frameworks
Outputs: Stimulated local economy
Evaluation Criteria: Number of businesses supported; investment generated
4. Civil Society (Community & Social Actors)
Objective: Empower communities in innovation processes.
Tasks:
- Task 4.1: Citizen Science & Co-Design
Steps: Facilitate workshops
Actions: Community prototyping
Deliverables: Co-designed models
Outputs: Innovation from the ground up
- Task 4.2: Public Awareness Campaigns
Steps: Design campaigns
Actions: Disseminate success stories
Deliverables: Media outputs
Outputs: Increased environmental literacy
Evaluation Criteria: Participation rates; public perception
5. Natural Environment (Sustainability)
Objective: Ensure eco-alignment and resilience.
Tasks:
- Task 5.1: Environmental Monitoring
Steps: Install monitoring tools
Actions: Collect and analyse data
Deliverables: Environmental reports
Outputs: Sustainability dashboard
- Task 5.2: Nature-Based Integration
Steps: Implement green design features
Actions: Evaluate ecological outcomes
Deliverables: Biodiversity index, design guides
Outputs: Resilient infrastructure
Evaluation Criteria: Biodiversity metrics; carbon reduction
Community-Based QHM Actors & Innovation Networks #
Table 4 Role in Network Formation:
Helix | Actor Example | Role |
Political | City Councils | Set enabling policies |
Education | Universities | Create and share knowledge |
Economic | SMEs | Develop market solutions |
Social | NGOs | Represent community needs |
Environment | Planners | Integrate nature in planning |
Network Formation Steps:
Map stakeholders
Identify shared goals
Host multi-helix roundtables
Launch digital platforms
Run living lab pilots
Document and replicate
Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using Community Gardening Practices #
Case Anchor: Community Gardening Pilot #
Utilize a real or modelled example of a community gardening initiative (e.g., co-managed urban food forest) as a central knowledge generator.
Integration with New European Bauhaus (NEB) Principles:
- Sustainability: Emphasize regenerative urban greening, soil health, and biodiversity.
- Aesthetics: Use inclusive and beautiful garden design principles.
- Inclusion: Ensure participation across diverse community groups.
Phase | Description | Timeline |
Phase 1 | Stakeholder Mobilization & Visioning | Months 1–3 |
Phase 2 | Knowledge Creation & Cross-Helix Integration | Months 4–9 |
Phase 3 | Pilot Innovation Networks | Months 10–15 |
Phase 4 | Evaluation & Policy Alignment | Months 16–18 |
Phase 5 | Replication & Scaling | Months 19–24 |
1. Political System (Governance)
Objective: Align local policies and zoning regulations to support community gardens.
Tasks:
- Task 1.1: Urban Policy Review & Advocacy
Steps: Map policy barriers
Actions: Organize multi-stakeholder policy forums
Deliverables: Urban greening policy recommendations
Outputs: Improved land-use governance
- Task 1.2: Participatory Policy Design
Steps: Conduct design thinking workshops
Actions: Co-create garden-friendly policies with communities
Deliverables: Policy drafts
Outputs: Governance aligned with NEB values
Evaluation Criteria: Number of gardens permitted; policy amendments achieved
2. Education System (Universities, R&D)
Objective: Embed community gardening in curricula and knowledge-sharing systems.
Tasks:
- Task 2.1: School & University Garden Programs
Steps: Develop gardening modules
Actions: Train educators and students
Deliverables: NEB-aligned curricula
Outputs: Experiential learning sites
- Task 2.2: Research Partnerships on Urban Ecology
Steps: Form university-community teams
Actions: Study environmental, social, aesthetic impacts
Deliverables: Scientific publications, garden data dashboards
Outputs: Evidence-based practice
Evaluation Criteria: Research output; educational participation rates
3. Economic System (Business & Industry)
Objective: Foster green micro-economies through community gardening.
Tasks:
- Task 3.1: Garden-Based Enterprises
Steps: Identify viable micro-enterprises (e.g., composting, herbs)
Actions: Support business development
Deliverables: Product prototypes, value chains
Outputs: Local green job creation
- Task 3.2: Circular Economy Integration
Steps: Close nutrient loops
Actions: Set up composting and food-sharing systems
Deliverables: Circular models
Outputs: Reduced waste, economic resilience
Evaluation Criteria: Number of supported micro-enterprises; circular systems deployed
4. Civil Society (Community & Social Actors)
Objective: Empower inclusive community action and intercultural gardening.
Tasks:
- Task 4.1: Community Co-Design of Gardens
Steps: Conduct inclusive planning sessions
Actions: Co-design with NEB principles
Deliverables: Co-created garden layouts
Outputs: Empowered neighbourhoods
- Task 4.2: Cultural & Educational Programming
Steps: Curate events in gardens (e.g., art, food festivals)
Actions: Collaborate with local creatives
Deliverables: Cultural calendar
Outputs: Aesthetically vibrant, inclusive spaces
Evaluation Criteria: Diversity of participants; event impact and reach
5. Natural Environment (Sustainability)
Objective: Enhance ecological value and resilience of urban spaces.
Tasks:
- Task 5.1: Soil & Biodiversity Regeneration
Steps: Soil testing and amendments
Actions: Native planting, permaculture design
Deliverables: Biodiversity index, soil improvement reports
Outputs: Living urban ecosystems
- Task 5.2: Climate Resilience Features
Steps: Rainwater harvesting, green infrastructure
Actions: Implement shading, habitat corridors
Deliverables: Design templates, water usage logs
Outputs: Adaptation-ready neighbourhoods
Evaluation Criteria: Biodiversity levels; climate resilience indicators
Community-Based QHM Actors & Innovation Networks #
Table 6 Role in Network Formation:
Helix | Actor Example | Role |
Political | Municipal Authorities | Enable access and legal frameworks |
Education | Agroecology Programs | Knowledge co-creation |
Economic | Green SMEs | Product and value creation |
Social | Local Associations | Inclusion and outreach |
Environment | Urban Ecologists | Guide regenerative practices |
Network Formation Steps:
Identify champions across helixes
Convene inclusive co-design groups
Establish community garden clusters
Develop shared digital platforms
Measure and visualize impact
Replicate in other urban areas
Roadmap and Action Plan for Knowledge Creation Across the Quintuple Helix Model (QHM) Using: Green Buildings, Circular Economy and Community Gardening Practices #
Case Anchor | 1. Political System (Governance) | 2. Education System (Universities, R&D) | 3. Economic System (Business & Industry) | 4. Civil Society (Community & Social Actors) | 5. Natural Environment (Sustainability) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Circular Economy Pilot | Utilize a community-level example of circular economy implementation (e.g., local material reuse hubs, zero-waste districts) as a central knowledge driver. | Objective: Enable policy frameworks that support local circular economy ecosystems. Tasks: Task 1.1: Policy Landscape Mapping
Task 1.2: Circular Policy Co-Creation
Evaluation Criteria: Number of supportive policies enacted; regulatory changes | Objective: Cultivate knowledge and skills for circular design and systems thinking. Tasks: Task 2.1: Circular Curriculum Development
Task 2.2: Applied Research & Innovation Labs
Evaluation Criteria: Curricula integrated; research publications and prototypes developed | Objective: Promote business models rooted in reuse, sharing, and material cycles. Tasks: Task 3.1: Circular Startup Incubation
Task 3.2: Supply Chain Redesign for Circularity
Evaluation Criteria: Number of circular enterprises; material recovery rates | Objective: Engage residents in co-creation and behaviour change toward circular living. Tasks: Task 4.1: Zero-Waste Community Hubs
Task 4.2: Inclusion-Focused Campaigns
Evaluation Criteria: Community engagement rates; inclusive reach of campaigns | Objective: Reduce ecological footprint through regenerative, closed-loop systems. Tasks: Task 5.1: Waste Stream Redirection
Task 5.2: Nature-Based Solutions & Design
Evaluation Criteria: Waste diverted; ecosystem services enhanced |
Community Gardening Pilot
| Utilize a real or modeled example of a community gardening initiative (e.g., co-managed urban food forest) as a central knowledge generator. | Objective: Align local policies and zoning regulations to support community gardens. Tasks: Task 1.1: Urban Policy Review & Advocacy
Task 1.2: Participatory Policy Design
Evaluation Criteria: Number of gardens permitted; policy amendments achieved | Objective: Embed community gardening in curricula and knowledge-sharing systems. Tasks: Task 2.1: School & University Garden Programs
Task 2.2: Research Partnerships on Urban Ecology
Evaluation Criteria: Research output; educational participation rates | Objective: Foster green micro-economies through community gardening. Tasks: Task 3.1: Garden-Based Enterprises
Task 3.2: Circular Economy Integration
Evaluation Criteria: Number of supported micro-enterprises; circular systems deployed | Objective: Empower inclusive community action and intercultural gardening. Tasks: Task 4.1: Community Co-Design of Gardens
Task 4.2: Cultural & Educational Programming
Evaluation Criteria: Diversity of participants; event impact and reach | Objective: Enhance ecological value and resilience of urban spaces. Tasks: Task 5.1: Soil & Biodiversity Regeneration
Task 5.2: Climate Resilience Features
Evaluation Criteria: Biodiversity levels; climate resilience indicators |
Green building Pilot | Utilize a real or modelled example of a successful Green building (e.g., energy-positive community centre) as a central knowledge generator. | Objective: Align policy frameworks with sustainability through green buildings. Tasks: Task 1.1: Stakeholder Mapping & Policy Audit
Task 1.2: Policy Co-Creation Workshops
Evaluation Criteria: Number of policies influenced; engagement rate | Objective: Disseminate Green building knowledge through education and research. Tasks: Task 2.1: Curriculum Integration
Task 2.2: Research & Innovation Labs
Evaluation Criteria: Number of participants; research output | Objective: Stimulate green entrepreneurship. Tasks: Task 3.1: Innovation Incubators
Task 3.2: Procurement & Incentives
Evaluation Criteria: Number of businesses supported; investment generated | Objective: Empower communities in innovation processes. Tasks: Task 4.1: Citizen Science & Co-Design
Task 4.2: Public Awareness Campaigns
Evaluation Criteria: Participation rates; public perception | Objective: Ensure eco-alignment and resilience. Tasks: Task 5.1: Environmental Monitoring
Task 5.2: Nature-Based Integration
Evaluation Criteria: Biodiversity metrics; carbon reduction |
Final Remarks #
The BeCom Roadmap stands as a robust, actionable framework for catalysing sustainable and regenerative community development. By weaving together, the New European Bauhaus principles, the Quintuple Helix Model, and adult learning best practices, it provides communities with the tools and strategies needed to address complex environmental and social challenges.
Crucially, the roadmap is not just theoretical—it is supported by practical tools, digital resources, and clear evaluation metrics to guide implementation and measure impact. The inclusion of annexes, such as e-learning transformation guidelines, stakeholder engagement toolkits, and visual standards, ensures that all participants can effectively apply the methodology in their unique contexts.
As the BeCom project moves forward, it is essential to recognize that sustainable community transformation is an ongoing journey. Success will depend on continuous learning, adaptive collaboration, and the active engagement of all stakeholders across the five helices. By embracing the principles and methodologies outlined in this guide, and by utilizing the accompanying practical resources, communities can work together to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically enriching future for all.
