NiCE Project Proves So Successful That Some Results Will Be Incorporated Into Curriculum

NiCE (From Niche to Centre – City Centres as Places of Circular Lifestyles), a project on sustainable and resilient urban environments, funded by the Interreg Central Europe Programme, has officially come to a successful conclusion.

Over the past 3 years, partners from across Central Europe have worked together to tackle key challenges such as declining retail activity, the rise of online consumption and the need for more sustainable everyday practices. Through this collaboration, the project delivered a comprehensive set of practical tools, strategies and pilot actions that help bring circular lifestyles into the heart of city centres.

Among the key results are the Circular Lifestyle Monitor Tool, the Strategy Framework for Circular Lifestyles in Cities and the NiCE Solution Box, 

all designed to support municipalities, organisations and stakeholders in implementing circular solutions in practice. 

These outputs, along with many more resources, are available on the NiCE Knowledge Platform.

During the first phase, partners assessed political measures, action plans, strategies, and programs supporting circular lifestyles across NiCE partner countries (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia). This research — conducted via stakeholder interviews and desk research — focused on specific pilot areas, including Bologna, Brzeg Dolny, Budapest, Jihlava, Graz, Košice, Ptuj, and Würzburg.

Partners evaluated sustainable consumption patterns and business models at the urban level. By analysing the needs and visions of target groups (cities, service providers, and existing networks), the project successfully identified key transnational challenges and opportunities.

Openly accessible results

The project also demonstrated its impact through pilot actions in partner cities, showing how circular approaches can revitalise urban spaces, strengthen communities and promote sustainable behaviour. It facilitated knowledge sharing through educational resources, a virtual exhibition, and workshops (such as those held during the 2025 European Week of Regions and Cities).

The results of the NiCE project remain openly accessible at the Knowledge Platform. To learn more about the project and its achievements, watch the NiCE project video: 

On behalf of BME, the Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability at the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences participated in this three-year project. Over twenty colleagues contributed, ranging from research staff and doctoral candidates to BA and MA students. Associate professor Mariann Szabó served as the project leader. The Department organized the project’s inaugural Partner Meeting and led the First Work Package. Subsequently, it implemented a flagship pilot action titled “Co-creation for more circular cities at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics”.

Departmental colleagues were instrumental in leading online seminars and transnational workshops at major international conferences, including SCORAI 2025, ERSCP 2025, while also publishing research in cooperation with international peers. The Department's experts played a significant role in developing key project outputs, including the Strategy Framework, the Virtual Exhibition of Good Practices, and the Monitor Tool.

Methodology Kit and Strategy Framework

The Department formally adopts the Methodology Kit on Stakeholders' Engagement in Circular Lifestyles, integrating into the Sustainable Business Model Design training course.

Furthermore, to solidify its leadership in responsible management education, the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (BME GTK) has declared the official adaptation of the NiCE Strategy Framework. This initiative supports the GTK Sustainability Strategy (2024–2030) and ensures the Faculty continues to fulfil and exceed the rigorous standards of its international accreditations, including AACSB, EFMD, PRME, and BGA.

This project is supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.

Rector’s Office, Communications Directorate