Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida, spearheads a pioneering effort to advance circular economy ideas across South Asia via the EU-funded KODECET project. The project, ‘Knowledge Development for Circular Economy Transition (KODECET),’ brings together distinguished faculty members from six partner institutions: University of Jyväskylä (Finland), FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH (Austria), BIMTECH (India), NIRMA University (India), Prince of Songkla University (Thailand), and Payap University (Thailand). Dr. Bhavesh Sarna from the University of Jyväskylä leads this international project, while Dr. Veenu Sharma from BIMTECH spearheads it as the National Lead from India. Faculty members from BIMTECH participating include Dr. K. K. Upadhyay, Dr. Prateek Jain, Dr. Anupama Singh, and Ms. Svadha Rai.
Launched in January 2024, the project aims to establish four Digi-SUSTEACH centers to enhance the instructional capacity of university faculty, students, and early-stage professionals in Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE). These centers will function as digital hubs for teaching and research, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide world-class training and develop comprehensive SACE courses with diverse learning materials.
Initiated under the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) leadership, the project aims to integrate SACE principles into the core curriculum of higher education institutions. The inaugural Kick-Off meeting on January 22, 2024, at Payap University in Thailand marked the beginning of this collaborative effort among partner universities across Finland, Austria, India, and Thailand. The project aims to develop a SACE-skilled workforce for a better business and environmental future.
Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, highlighted the bright prospects of the circular economy in India, emphasizing the project’s role in strengthening knowledge and learning about circular economy education through collaborative initiatives. Dr. Rajib believes that these collective efforts will be instrumental in establishing a foundation for circular economy education in South Asia. The Digi-SUSTEACH centers will serve as digital hubs for teaching and research on the circular economy, equipped with state-of-the-art software and hardware to provide world-class training. The centers aim to develop comprehensive courses on the circular economy, including a wide range of learning materials to cater to different learning styles.
The €790,010.00 EU-funded KODECET project signifies a major step forward for circular economy education and research in India. This 36-month collaboration among six partners from four countries fosters international collaboration and paves the way for innovation in the field. The Digi-SUSTEACH centers are key to achieving the project’s goals. These digital hubs for circular economy teaching and research will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide world-class training. They will house comprehensive circular economy courses featuring diverse learning materials to cater to various learning styles. Dr. Veenu Sharma, the project’s National Lead from India, is enthusiastic. She calls the initiative “a significant leap towards sustainable development and circular economy education, fostering innovation and collaboration across borders.”
To achieve its ambitious goals, the project will train 20 faculty members who will then educate 120 students on circular economy principles. Additionally, a social media hackathon will engage students and raise awareness. Further strengthening the initiative, NIRMA University will design intensive workshops to equip faculty members with the necessary skills to effectively teach circular economy concepts. FH JOANNEUM University will develop courses covering waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable business models – all crucial aspects of the circular economy. Prince of Songkla University plays a key role in establishing the Digi-SUSTEACH centers. These centers, equipped with advanced computing systems, interactive learning platforms, and simulation software, will provide an immersive learning experience. Finally, Payap University takes the vital role of disseminating information about the project. They will ensure the project’s goals and achievements reach a wider audience, promoting greater adoption of circular economy principles.
The KODECET project, with its focus on education and collaboration, is building a strong educational framework for circular economy principles. By empowering educators and students with advanced tools and resources, the project aims to drive a sustainable transformation across South Asia and beyond.
