Course content

The students of the CIRCLE program complete in their first year of study modules for basic knowledge, and implementation, management and design of circular economy. Across partner universities, this competence is built through a variety of courses, curricula and perspectives. The course supports learning across the circular economy syllabus and dialogue on their views on circular economy. A circular economy implies a systematic transition and change from the current, and closer alignment of sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation. It has consequences to how products and services are conceived and designed, to reduce our reliance on primary extraction of raw materials and improve resource management and effectivity. The course shall engage a discussion of relevant criteria and directions for entrepreneurship using examples from existing and novel innovations. The course trains candidates in entrepreneurship within the paradigm of circular economy and how to direct innovation for circular transition.

Learning outcome

knowledge

• to explain, detail and describe different definitions of circular economy
• to formulate the properties of entrepreneurship within a circular economy paradigm and outline directions for transition towards a circular economy
• to understand the many goals of circular economy as it is seen from society, public stakeholders and business enterprises and how these connect with UN sustainability development goals

skills

• to propose, adapt and apply relevant circular criteria for various stakeholders to apply for circular innovation in public and private organizations
• to discuss the sustainability of circular business concepts
• to apply circular economy definitions to improve the sustainability of new and existing product systems

general competence

• to guide and drive innovation for circular economy in public and private organizations

Learning methods and activities

Course activities consist of a lecture series (6-8 lectures) with student group workshops and self-study.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge in circular economy as it relates to the human dimension, its design or analysis, and climate mitigation.

Required previous knowledge

The course if offered to students who have completed their first year of study in the Erasmus Mundus Joint international master in circular economy, at one of the partner institutions.

Course materials

The reading material consists of collected research papers and reports.