The physics picture that is emerging from the LHC results and the recent completion of the CLIC feasibility study and detector design, make an assessment of the CLIC physics potential particularly timely, in preparation of the forthcoming update of the European Strategy. A dedicated working group was recently set up at CERN, with the purpose of collecting and coordinating the theory community effort in this direction. This workshop is the kickoff meeting of this initiative. Topics include direct or indirect searches for new physics, from any beyond-the-SM perspective, that are relevant for the CLIC experimental program.