On the 11th of March, this year, the Circular Economic Technology Platform (KGTP) was founded at the University of Pannonia, Veszprém.
Many have attended the event along with László Palkovics, the Hungarian minister of innovation and technology, Zsolt Hernádi, the president and CEO of MOL Group (Hungarian Oil and Gas Public Limited Company), and Máté Kriza, the business director of Circular Point.
In his speech, the Hungarian minister of innovation and technology emphasized: "The importance of the circular economy is becoming increasingly apparent." He also referred to the global difficulties that have developed in recent years, which further reinforce the need to reduce Hungary's dependence on other countries with initiatives such as the KGTP.
The main goals of the newly established KGTP are to accelerate Hungary's transition towards a circular economy and to put the country at the forefront of circular economy technologies. In addition, connecting the existing circular economy stakeholders and establishing and strengthening new ones to increase the global competitiveness of Hungary and its domestic companies across the globe was set out.
KGTP is a forum for consultation and cooperation based on the voluntary professional work of its members. Its main responsibilities include setting up an advisory forum, operating working groups, developing local value circles, research and development and innovation, education, and training, supporting changes in the regulatory environment, and commenting on professional materials.
The founding members all agreed that for a successful transition towards a circular economy in Hungary a system-wide change is required involving all decision-making bodies.
In his speech, Zsolt Hernádi, the president and CEO of MOL Group, said: “Today, more than eighty per cent of energy sources are tied to fossil fuels, which must be replaced in the future. One possible avenue for a successful transition may be a circular economy.” The coordination tasks of the KGTP will be performed by MOL-PE Circular Economy Science Park Nonprofit Zrt.
Máté Kriza, the business director of Circular Point, also attended the opening ceremony and joined KGTP as a founding member, thus strengthening Circular Point's commitment to the implementation of the Hungarian circular economy.
The website of the newly established KGTP is available at the following link: https://circularhungary.hu/