Forecasting Circular Futures: From Policy to Practice at Green Tech Conference 2026

By Dr Silvia Tedesco, Associate Professor Sustainability – Salford Business School

I’m thrilled to be joining  out panel exploring ‘The Circular Economy Forecast: Policy, Tech & Opportunity’ at pro-manchester’s Green Tech Conference 2026 on 26^th of February. As we collectively rally toward ambitious goals like the UK’s move to net zero and Greater Manchester’s 2038 zero-carbon target, this event is a pivotal moment for innovators, policymakers and business leaders shaping the pathways to a greener, more resilient economy in Greater Manchester and beyond.

The circular economy isn’t just an environmental aspiration, it’s a framework for transforming our economic systems so materials, energy and value are kept in use for as long as possible. At the heart of this shift is systemic thinking that intersects technology, policy and commercial opportunity, offering innovative ways to design out waste, extend product lifecycles and unlock new economic value.

During the panel, I’ll be exploring how evolving UK policies are setting the backdrop for this transformation. This will include reference of regulatory incentives and emerging standards that encourage reuse, repair and circular business models, and how these connect with breakthrough technologies, such as AI, that make circularity feasible at scale. Gathering voices from government, strategy and tech innovation, we’ll debate where policy is enabling action and where opportunity still lies for leaders across sectors.

This dialogue resonates closely with the work I lead at the Five-C Network at the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, University of Salford. The Five-C Network exists to accelerate circular innovation across five interconnected sectors (digital, construction, fashion & textiles, renewable energy and healthcare), precisely because circularity must be systemic rather than siloed.

At Five-C, we champion collaboration across disciplines, recognising that digital platforms and data can enable smart material flows; that circular design in construction can radically redefine resource use; and that renewable energy systems must integrate life-cycle thinking to optimise sustainability outcomes. Our work is grounded in transversal themes such as resource circularity, capabilities, incentives and cultural engagement — connecting academic research, industry practice and policy influence to create real-world impact. What energises me most about Green Tech Conference 2026 is the opportunity to bridge these conversations by bringing insights from a research network rooted in circular practice together with voices driving policy and innovation in the UK’s emerging green economy. Circularity isn’t a niche agenda anymore: it’s foundational to future growth, competitive advantage and resilience.

If you’re attending the conference, I look forward to seeing you at the Green Tech Conference. Let’s explore how we can shape a circular future that’s both ambitious and achievable.