Our project aimed to empower agri-food SMEs to shift from a linear to a circular economy. We set out to develop a comprehensive Circular Economy Manager (CEM) profile and design an innovative, gamified VET curriculum that equips SME managers with essential skills for sustainable practices. Our objectives were to bridge the skills gap in circular economy practices, enhance resource efficiency, and foster digital transformation in line with EU priorities such as the Green Deal. We also aimed to establish a certification process for the CEM profile, ensuring its recognition across Europe, and to create a replicable training model adaptable to other sectors. Ultimately, our goal was to boost SME competitiveness and drive long-term sustainable growth.
We applied for this project to address a pressing need for transformation within the agri-food sector. Many SMEs in our region lack the knowledge and skills to shift from a traditional linear economy to a sustainable circular model. Recognizing that this skills gap hinders innovation, competitiveness, and efficient resource use, we sought to create a solution that not only upskills SME managers but also modernizes vocational education and training. Our project aimed to develop a specialized Circular Economy Manager (CEM) profile and an innovative, gamified curriculum that can be integrated into existing VET frameworks. This initiative was designed to empower SMEs to adopt circular practices, reduce waste, and contribute to broader EU objectives such as the Green Deal and digital transformation. Ultimately, our application was driven by a commitment to fostering sustainable business practices and driving systemic change