Data Competence in Companies as a Basis for Circular Transformation: The LCA4All Approach

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a robust framework for quantifying environmental impacts and supporting circular-economy strategies, but its adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) remains limited due to insufficient data availability, low data competence, limited expertise, and fragmented digital infrastructures. The LCA4All project addresses these barriers by focusing on the prerequisites for LCA implementation data management, data competence, and digital infrastructure rather than developing another calculation tool. Using a mixed-methods design comprising semi-structured interviews, structured workshops, and iterative minimum-viable-product (MVP) development, the project first identified the organisational barriers to LCA adoption, then developed the LCA4All digital platform, and finally evaluated it through pilot testing with participating SMEs (n = 11: three companies via in-depth workshops and eight via self-testing). The resulting platform combines a structured knowledge module aligned with the ISO 14040 LCA phases — with an AI-supported assistant that enables low-threshold, progressive learning from beginner to advanced levels. Pilot feedback confirmed improved usability, clearer data-input structures, and greater accessibility of LCA guidance for non-expert users, while also highlighting the value of simplified language and practice-oriented checklists. By shifting the focus from calculation to data infrastructure and competence-building, the LCA4All project offers a scalable model for embedding LCA and circular-economy practice into everyday SME operations.