The aim of the study is to find the best practices of interregional cooperation in the field of innovation to support SMEs in the process of unlocking entrepreneurial potential and transition to the circular economy in smart villages/settlements. The proposed digital innovation tools (ESRI platform) will contribute to achieving synergies between national fund programs and the Roadmaps for Moldova's integration into the European Research Area. These approaches will contribute to the identification of interregional value chains, target markets, natural resources, and relevant actors in the associated countries and in the EU. The authors propose to consider a digital e-policy platform, complemented by a set of online applications and services, able to help national and regional authorities in the EU associated countries to develop a regional „smart specialization” roadmap on circular economy priorities.