The project had the following objectives: - Understanding the current situation regarding teaching and learning about circular economy on University level as well as student experiences and understanding of circular economy concepts; - Establishing linkages and enhancing the cooperation between the academia and industry in relation to circular economy by means of creating and further enriching existing networks; - Creating a digital repository of knowledge, tools and activities that can be utilized by teachers and students in their future activities related to stimulation of circular economy; - Enrichment of the knowledge and skills of the University staff in teaching about circular economy; - Empowering students to enrich their knowledge and skills in the area of circular economy and motivating them to implement concepts of circular economy in their future jobs. The project focused on enhancing circular economy skills among students which will be needed for the future in fighting climate change, ensuring sustainability and protecting the environment. The project activities will ensure not only that the students develop their skills but that the Schools participating in the action will continue to implement such activities.
The topic of circular economy and the competencies needed has rarely been explored on University level. There is an obvious gap between the knowledge produced on the academic level and knowledge required by the industry, regarding the circular economy requirements. In such circumstances, it looks like the industry requirements are going faster than the readiness of academia to respond to specific needs (Morrison and Pattison, 2020). This is especially prominent in the countries of the Balkans where the linkages between industry and academia are still weak. Therefore this project addresses the gap between the needs of the economy and the preparedness of the students with knowledge, skills and competences for the “green” economy. The preparedness of the students is directly linked to the preparedness of higher education institutions to develop such competencies among students and to the availability of the materials used in teaching and learning. Students learn best when using practical, engaging and locally relevant materials and from professors that are well skilled and motivated. The project trained professors to develop and use case studies and other OER materials and engaged students in applied activities with industry.