Bridging Gaps in Circular Economy Knowledge with the KODECET Project
The circular economy (CE) is rapidly emerging as a critical strategy for achieving sustainable development. This approach prioritizes extending product lifecycles, maximizing resource efficiency, and minimizing waste generation. However, transitioning to a CE requires more than just innovative business models and cutting-edge technologies. It also necessitates a fundamental shift in educational paradigms and a focus on fostering expertise in CE principles, particularly in regions with limited CE resources. This is where the KODECET project steps in, acting as a vital bridge to connect circular economy education and application across Asia and Europe.
Initiated under the leadership of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), KODECET is designed to integrate Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE) principles into the core curriculum of higher education institutions. This project aims to cultivate a knowledgeable and skilled workforce equipped to implement CE practices effectively within the business environment. The project consortium brings together universities from Finland, Austria, India, and Thailand, reflecting a collaborative approach to tackling global sustainability challenges.
While Asian economies, particularly India and Thailand, have witnessed rapid industrial growth, they face significant challenges regarding skilled labor, especially in areas relevant to the CE. These challenges are further amplified by the uneven integration of CE principles into educational systems across different regions. The KODECET project highlights the concept of the “China plus one” strategy, emphasizing the need for other Asian countries to accelerate their CE capabilities. This is crucial for attracting and retaining international businesses seeking diversified manufacturing bases that prioritize sustainability standards.
One of the innovative solutions offered by the KODECET project is the establishment of four Digi-SUSTEACH centers at partner universities in India and Thailand. These centers are envisioned as hubs for CE knowledge, providing open-source courses and comprehensive educational materials in both digital and traditional formats. This initiative aims to make advanced European knowledge on CE accessible to new faculty members, students, and early-stage professionals in Asia. By doing so, KODECET empowers them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a greener economy.
KODECET goes beyond simply disseminating knowledge. It actively promotes curriculum development and faculty training. The project plans to develop three in-depth courses on SACE, complete with all the necessary teaching materials. Additionally, it aims to train at least 20 faculty members in the effective delivery of these courses, utilizing a specifically designed didactics manual. This approach ensures the project’s long-term sustainability and empowers partner institutions to continue offering these crucial courses in the future.
The planned HACKATHON, with its impressive 80 registrants, exemplifies KODECET’s commitment to fostering direct interaction between academia and industry. This event is designed to tackle real-world problems using CE principles, providing a platform to demonstrate the practical applicability of the knowledge imparted through the project. Such initiatives are instrumental in establishing a robust academia-business network that can propel CE practices and innovations forward.
KODECET transcends the boundaries of a mere educational project. It is a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the significant knowledge gap in CE practices between Europe and Asia. By fostering an understanding of CE principles and their real-world applications, KODECET not only enhances educational curricula but also contributes significantly to the global sustainability agenda. As this project unfolds, it holds immense promise to shape the capabilities of future sustainability leaders, ensuring that CE principles are no longer just theoretical concepts but become integral parts of business and environmental strategies across continents.