A collaboration between the University of Sarajevo and HafenCity University Hamburg has resulted in a new publication exploring how circular business models and enabling urban infrastructure could support Sarajevo’s transition towards a more circular and resource-efficient urban future. 

The publication, Circular Business Models and Enabling Urban Infrastructures in Sarajevo: Sarajevo – Hamburg Narrative, brings together field research, interviews, expert perspectives and student-led analysis developed through activities in Sarajevo and Hamburg. 

The project starts from an important premise: circularity is not only a technical design challenge. Successful circular urban development also depends on governance, institutions, infrastructure, markets, incentives and community participation. 

Sarajevo and Hamburg: Learning Across Two Urban Contexts 

Sarajevo provided the main context for exploring the opportunities and barriers to circular economy approaches, while Hamburg was examined as a European reference case for established circular economy practices, policies and urban development. 

A workshop week in February 2026 enabled students and academics to combine: 

• field research and site visits 
• semi-structured interviews with residents and experts 
• expert consultations 
• comparative analysis of Sarajevo and Hamburg 
• development of locally grounded project proposals. 

The approach was deliberately interdisciplinary, international and transdisciplinary, connecting academic analysis with lived experience, professional expertise and real urban challenges.

From Circular Construction to Urban Governance 

The publication examines themes including adaptive reuse, construction and demolition waste, material recovery, circular construction, resource efficiency, urban regeneration and community participation. 

Interviews with residents and professionals highlight practical barriers ranging from weak recycling infrastructure and fragmented institutional responsibilities to unclear standards, limited incentives and the need for stronger public trust. 

At the same time, the research identifies opportunities around reuse of existing buildings, reclaimed construction materials, design for disassembly, local value creation and more circular approaches to urban regeneration. 

The project’s objective was not simply to propose circular interventions, but to identify the enabling infrastructure and business models needed to make implementation possible in practice. 

Cities as Learning Environments 

The project also demonstrates the value of using cities as living learning environments. 

Student reflections show how field-based learning in Hamburg and Sarajevo helped connect theoretical concepts in sustainability and circular economy with actual urban spaces, institutions and decision-making processes. 

By combining academic knowledge, stakeholder perspectives and comparative urban learning, the collaboration generated insights relevant to cities, municipalities, businesses, researchers and practitioners working on circular economy, circular construction and sustainable urban development. 

About the Publication 

Circular Business Models and Enabling Urban Infrastructures in Sarajevo: Sarajevo–Hamburg Narrative was edited by Jakub Galuszka, Henning Wilts and Olivia Ng’ang’a of HafenCity University Hamburg and includes contributions from students and academic staff from both universities. 

The publication was developed through collaboration between the University of Sarajevo – and HafenCity University Hamburg, with funding from DAAD. 

Read more about the Office for Climate Change and Sustainability:
https://cir.unsa.ba/ured-za-odrzivost-eng/ 

Interested in collaboration on circular economy and sustainable urban development? contact@thesli.org