Accessible interactive learning environments to support the development of circular economy entrepreneurship Erasmus Project

Project Title

Accessible interactive learning environments to support the development of circular economy entrepreneurship

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Partnerships for Digital Education Readiness

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Entrepreneurial learning – entrepreneurship education; Environment and climate change

Project Summary

2019 was a landmark year for Europe with the launching of The European Green Deal with a target to make Europe the first carbon neutral continent by 2050. As Covid-19 struck in China and quickly spread to Europe with devastating social and economic impact the shine has somehow been taken-off this new era of environmental and social justice. Across Europe, Member States have gone into survival mode as the Covid-19 pandemic lays waste to society and economy as we know it. The ability of National Governments to save lives, save jobs and sustain vulnerable communities and sectors of the economy are now the key metrics of success. But climate change has not gone away and any re-booting Europe’s economy must take the amelioration of environmental impact into consideration. VET as the key education sector providing education and training supports to businesses and would-be businesses will be tasked with providing the educational tools and resources to make the recovery of the Europe’s economy a fair, equitable and environmentally friendly recovery.

The European Green Deal emphasises the fact that “valuable materials are leaking from our economies. In a world where demand and competition for finite and sometimes scarce resources will continue to increase…Europe can benefit economically and environmentally from making better use of those resources.” Mobilising industry for a clean and circular economy is one of the key objectives outlined. In the State of the Innovation Union (EU Commission, 2015), the facilitation of cooperation among potential circular economy actors, the generation and development of social innovations through green initiatives and applying Circular Business Models, and the spread of knowledge to improve practice and policy-making in Europe were all highlighted. This commitment is now reinforced. As 80% of any given products environmental impact is determined at the product design stage it is essential that the ‘use, reuse’ model at the heart of the circular economy shifts its attention to how products are designed and manufactured, and that different service provision and ownership models are embraced by consumers.

There is a growing sense that moving from a linear economic model to one that is circular by design will require a transformation that involves systemic changes in product design, manufacturing, service models and the ways goods and services are consumed. In this sense, it will require innovation on many levels. Circular business models (CBMs) are disruptive innovative business models aiming to drive the sustainability of the whole business network (system) through circularity. They are instruments of translating products and services designed for reuse into attractive value propositions.

The LEARNING CIRCLE project is focused on supporting innovative circular economy entrepreneurs, in an eco or social entrepreneurship context. Innovation-based entrepreneurs play an important role in boosting economies all over the world. Although innovative entrepreneurs come from different backgrounds and environments, they share common traits, motives and competencies. Innovative entrepreneurs are known to have a strong educational background and work experience of 5-10 years prior to launching their first venture. They are neither beginners nor novices. True entrepreneurs are serial innovators who leave a portfolio of successful and not-so-successful ventures behind them at the end of their career. Supporting the growth of innovative circular economy entrepreneurs through VET can therefore expect to achieve an enduring impact.

LEARNING CIRCLE will develop the following outputs:
IO1 – In-service training for VET tutors that addresses 3 areas; (1) tutors as learners – to build an entrepreneurial spirit and an understanding of the circular economy; (2) tutors as facilitators – to build their pedagogic skills for online teaching; (3) tutors as developers – to build their digital competences to develop digital teaching resources
IO2 – LEARNING CIRCLE EduZines & Interactive Infographics for Circular Economy Business Models – a compendium of 10 EduZines, 5 at intermediate level and 5 at advanced level, to raise awareness of 5 core circular economy business models
IO3 – LEARNING CIRCLE EduZines & Interactive Infographics for Innovative Circular Economy Entrepreneurs – a compendium of 10 resources that address trainable competences for innovative circular economy entrepreneurs
IO4 – LEARNING CIRCLE MOOC and Community of Practice – to provide access to all resources developed and network VET tutors, potential innovative circular economy entrepreneurs and business across Europe

LEARNING CIRCLE will ensure that state-of-the-art entrepreneurship training can be delivered by VET tutors despite the limitations placed on current service provision due to Covid-19. This will ensure that VET providers have the skills and resources to meet the challenges that the new ‘socially distant’ normal demands.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 298541 Eur

Project Coordinator

Banbridge District Enterprises Ltd & Country: UK

Project Partners

• Fundatia Centrul Educational Spektrum
• ASOCIACION CULTURAL Y MEDIOAMBIENTAL PERMACULTURA CANTABRIA
• Rightchallenge – Associação
• Spectrum Research Centre CLG
• LATVIJAS UNIVERSITATE
• INNOVADE LI LTD
• Hauptstadtallee 239 V V UG (Skills Elevation FHB)