JSBE Leads Groundbreaking EU-Funded Initiative to Advance Circular Economy Education in South Asia
The KODECET Project Aims to Create a Strong Foundation for Circular Economy
The KODECET project represents a significant leap forward in sustainable development and circular economy education. By focusing on knowledge development and skill enhancement, the project aims to create a strong foundation for circular economy principles in South Asian higher education institutions. This initiative is particularly crucial as it addresses the growing need for sustainability expertise in emerging economies.
A key component of the KODECET project is the establishment of four Digi-SUSTEACH centres. Two of the centres will be based in India, while the other two will be in Thailand, with each consortium partner hosting one position. These centres will serve as digital hubs for teaching and research on the circular economy, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide world-class training. The centres aim to develop comprehensive courses on the circular economy, including a wide range of learning materials to cater to different learning styles.
JSBE's Leadership in the KODECET Consortium
Under the project leader Dr. Bhavesh Sarna from JSBE, the KODECET initiative unites six partner institutions in a groundbreaking effort to advance circular economy principles. The consortium comprises:
- Ģֱ, Finland (Project Coordinator)
- FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH, Austria
- Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), India
- NIRMA University, India
- Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
- Payap University, Thailand
This diverse partnership brings together a wealth of expertise and resources, ensuring a comprehensive approach to circular economy education.
Each partner institution plays a vital role in the success of the KODECET project, with JSBE providing overall leadership and guidance as the project coordinator. Birla Institute of Management Technology spearheads the project efforts in India, while NIRMA University designs intensive workshops to equip faculty members with skills to teach circular economy concepts effectively. FH JOANNEUM University focuses on developing courses covering crucial aspects of the circular economy, such as waste management and sustainable business models for implementing circular economy. Prince of Songkla University takes a key role in establishing the four Digi-SUSTEACH centres, and Payap University concentrates on disseminating information about the project to ensure wider adoption of circular economy principles. This collaborative approach leverages the unique strengths and expertise of each institution, creating a comprehensive and impactful initiative to advance circular economy education across South Asia.
The KODECET Project Aims to Achieve Several Ambitious Goals
The KODECET project, launched in January 2024, aims to achieve several ambitious goals over its 36-month duration, including the training of 20 faculty members who will subsequently educate 120 students on circular economy principles.
One of the project's key objectives is to integrate Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE) principles into the core curriculum of higher education institutions, thereby helping to develop a workforce skilled in SACE concepts for a better business and environmental future. Additionally, the project will organize a social media hackathon to engage students and raise awareness about circular economy concepts, fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation among the younger generation.
Through these initiatives, KODECET aspires to make a significant impact on the educational landscape and promote circular economy best practices throughout South Asia. All partners are committed to sustaining the digital centres and continuing to teach circular economy principles beyond the project's duration.
JSBE's Vision for the Future
Dr. Hanna-Leena Pesonen, Dean of JSBE, emphasizes the bright prospects of the circular economy in upcoming economies.
“I believe that the KODECET project will play a crucial role in strengthening knowledge and learning about circular economy education through collaborative initiatives. By leading this project, JSBE aims to establish a solid foundation for circular economy education in South Asia, fostering innovation and collaboration across borders”, says Pesonen.
Dr. Bhavesh Sarna, the project leader from JSBE, underscores the global impact of initiatives like KODECET. He believes that such projects are instrumental in promoting global sustainability by creating a ripple effect of knowledge and practice.
"By equipping educators and students in South Asia with advanced understanding and tools for circular economy principles, we're not just transforming regional practices”, Dr. Sarna explains. "We're contributing to a global network of sustainability experts who can drive change on an international scale. The collaborative nature of KODECET, bringing together diverse perspectives from multiple countries, enriches our approach to sustainability challenges and helps us develop more comprehensive, globally applicable solutions."
The KODECET project, led by JSBE, represents a major step forward in promoting world-class education in circular economy principles across Asian universities. By leveraging the strengths of its international partners and focusing on digital innovation through the Digi-SUSTEACH centres, JSBE is paving the way for a sustainable future. This initiative not only enhances the educational landscape in South Asia but also contributes significantly to global efforts in creating a more sustainable and circular economic model.
