Circular Economy Adult Training ToolBox–Knowledge ReUse

Project summary

Context/background of project; The CLEAR project is motivated by the problem that the vast use of resources used by mankind is growing due to global population growth and increasing living standards. Although Europe leads the world in recycling and is a major player in manufacturing, the service aspect and service innovation is very low. This can be improved through a 'Circular Economy (CE) Servitisation Business Model' approach that is based on a vision of shift towards services. The EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy, ‘Closing the Loop’, provides a critical step forward towards a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient, and yet competitive EU economy. For this paradigm shift to be achieved, there is a need that servitisation principles and benefits be disseminated as widely as possible. There is thus an urgent need that adult education stakeholders (at different levels) be equipped with the right knowledge about a CE servitisation approach, its principles, its benefits to both society and industry as well as the concept that a CE approach can foster a novel breed of 'Green Entrepreneurs' Objectives of the project: The aim of the CLEAR partnership is to thus improve the level of Green Entrepreneurial culture in Europe by providing knowledge about the Servitisation Business Model concept to adult training stakeholders through an innovative and open digital training toolbox. To achieve this overall aim the project will have these objectives: - create a training course that will aid SMEs to shift towards services - allow active participation of seniors and make use of their experiences and knowledge - create online training material and a digital toolbox with tools for SMEs and training providers - dissemination Number and profile of participants: The project brings together seven partners from 4 EU Member States with diverse interest and backgrounds, each having a clearly defined role to contribute to the CLEAR project. These consist of one 3rd age college (University) two Municipalities, one technical consultancy with expertise on eco-design, one social enterprise and two training providers (one expert in CE). Collectively, the partners have the expertise to design, implement and test a modular digital training toolbox complete with augmented reality based e-learning content. Main of activities: The seven partners will exploit their significant expertise in the development and use of multi-media resources, e-learning and the use of virtual and augmented reality for training purposes to design and develop the CLEAR digital training toolbox and other project outputs. Through a number of activities, the partners’ pool of expertise will be used to develop an interactive and immersive learning experience based on digital technologies which challenge conventional linear economy thinking and promote a green entrepreneurial approach. Methodology: The methodology to be applied in CLEAR project is based on ‘’Project cycle Management (PM)” approach, which includes planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling the project efficiently throughout its phases, to produce the right Intellectual Output at the right time, cost and quality. For perform effective project management, a Steering Committee (SC) and Quality Control Group (QCG) will be set up. CLEAR will have four phases, PM1: Planning Phase, PM2: Solution Development Phase, PM3: Solution Implementation & Testing Phase, PM4: Solution Exploitation & Dissemination Phase. Description of the results: The project will produce a number of original intellectual outputs, from the results of surveys conducted locally by partners, the proposed curriculum structure, training course material and the novel Circular Economy digital training toolbox. Other results will be the number of EU citizens informed/trained on Circular Economy through multiplier events across partner countries. Envisaged Impact: The CLEAR project timely considers the EU’s goal of amplifying the Green Economy concept, it is anticipated to have a significant impact at both the national as well EU level. This will be achieved through the setting up of a strong presence on the internet via the project website, Facebook page & YouTube Channel. In addition, the project will include a number of multiplier events in the form of seminars, workshops in different partner countries as well as a Final Conference. In total, the project is expected to impact 10,000 relevant EU citizens with a number of them eventually taking up the route of green entrepreneurship.