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Economics

The Full Perspective on Circular Economy

When:

08 July - 26 July 2024

School:

Utrecht Summer School

Institution:

Utrecht University

City:

Utrecht

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

English

Credits:

6.0 EC

Fee:

1699 EUR

Register for this course
Please note: this course has already ended
The Full Perspective on Circular Economy
The Full Perspective on Circular Economy

About

In this 3 weeks’ innovative, state-of-the-art track, we will share with you Three Approaches to Circular Economy.

This three-weeks is made up of the courses: The Transition to a Circular Economy: a Business Model Perspective, Leading Environmental Strategy & Innovation through Psychology and Applying Circular Economy in Product Innovation

Delve into the diverse, and relevant facets of the circular economy: governance and strategic thinking, understanding human behaviour, and redeveloping products through circular methodologies. Each one-week-long part offers a unique lens, fostering a broad understanding of this sustainable paradigm shift. Join us in unraveling the principles and practices that drive a regenerative and resource-efficient future.

You can read the detailed course descriptions on the webpage of the three distinctive courses.

In the first week you will learn how to interpret the new EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from different perspectives such as business, finance, legal, logistics, and information systems. You will learn:

the basics of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive with a focus on the way this new directive will change the way we view value creation, supply chains and business strategies
the revised Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model that now includes aspects related to sustainability and circularity

the role data and digital technologies play in the transition towards circular supply chains
During the second week you will dive into the issue of how to rebrand and advocate for a sustainable lifestyle in a way that not only garners acceptance but also enthusiasm. We address s these challenges by examining strategies for behavioural change, some of which are still in their infancy. The focus is on altering behaviours in a manner that ensures their longevity (sustainability) well beyond the duration of any initial interventions, and on broadening these changes to encompass new behaviours. Instances of such lasting and evolving behavioural changes are observed through the lens of the drawdown.org solutions list and put into tangible challenges that the participants choose to further design utilizing behavioural design methods and understanding the psychology behind environmental actions.

In summary, this week is designed to enhance critical thinking by delving into the psychology and systems related to climate change, foster creative thinking through curiosity-driven problem solving, and cultivate a strategic vision for long-term sustainability and client-centred strategies. Participants will leave the course with a well-rounded skill set that equips them to address complex environmental challenges effectively.

The final, third week is delivered by Dutch and Finnish (Finland is in the forefront) circular design experts. This part of the course will focus on how businesses can thrive by adopting innovative models that prioritize sustainability without compromising the bottom line. You will explore and apply the tools to navigate the intersection of profitability and circularity!

Course leader

Jelly J. Offereins MA

Target group

This course is intended for everybody who wants to know more about and/or play an active role in (helping organisations and/or clients and society) embracing sustainable innovation strategies.

A sufficient English language proficiency level is required (at least B1).

Course aim

Learning Objectives

Part I

the basics of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive with a focus on the way this new directive will change the way we view value creation, supply chains and business strategies
the revised Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model that now includes aspects related to sustainability and circularity
the role data and digital technologies play in the transition towards circular supply chains
Part II

Critical Thinking: Develop deep insights into climate psychology (critically assessing emotional and behavioural aspects), enhance critical thinking by analyzing systems (critically evaluating political, economic, and social systems impacting environmental stewardship), and foster curiosity to challenge assumptions in understanding and addressing climate change.
Creative Thinking: Harness a curiosity mindset to drive innovation in tackling climate challenges through unconventional ideas. The course introduces creative thinking with a focus on planet-centric design, aligning solutions with the planet's well-being.
Strategic Vision: Develop a strategic vision encompassing long-term sustainability, systemic change, and client-centred strategies to drive lasting environmental solutions. Explore ways to disrupt and reshape these systems for long-term change and learn to align client concerns and desires with effective strategies, fostering a sense of purpose and opportunity.
Part III

After successful completion of this course, you:

Are able to explain the economic value of circular economy;
Are able to explore potential changes for product innovation;
Have applied effective circular economy models to an actual product;
Have given recommendations to improve a specific product and make it more circular.

Fee info

Fee

1699 EUR, Price €1699.00 Fee covers Course + course materials Housing fee: €650 Housing provider: Utrecht Summer School

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