Circular economy minor subject: business and new technologies

The project was part of the Circular economy teaching for all levels of education package implemented between 2017 and 2019. Sitra’s vision was that all graduates should understand what the circular economy means from the point of view of their work and day-to-day life, and what decisions and actions they can take to promote the circular economy. The aim was to increase expertise in the circular economy in Finland by extensively developing circular economy training, materials, concepts and co-operation from different points of view for all levels of education. More than 50 educational institutions, organisations and businesses took part in the package.

What was achieved?

The project developed a minor subject about the circular economy (in Finnish), which has been available to students since the 2018/2019 academic year. The minor subject includes 11 courses, 10 of which were developed with Sitra funding. The courses teach, among other things, how to use different technologies to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and how to promote the profitability of new technologies, products and services that support the circular economy.

Who was involved?

Sitra funded the project, and the people responsible for the project at Sitra were Nani Pajunen and Riitta Silvennoinen. Five laboratories at the Tampere University of Technology took part in developing the courses: Chemistry and Bioengineering, Industrial and Information Management, Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Civil Engineering.

people

Nani Pajunen

Senior Lead, Programmes