| Title |
Education for the circular economy in higher education: an overview of the current state |
| ID_Doc |
558 |
| Authors |
Renfors, SM |
| Title |
Education for the circular economy in higher education: an overview of the current state |
| Year |
2024 |
| Published |
International Journal Of Sustainability In Higher Education, 25, 9 |
| DOI |
10.1108/IJSHE-07-2023-0270 |
| Abstract |
PurposeHigher education institutions and their lecturers are strategic agents and main drivers that contribute to circular economy transition. This requires them to understand the key circular economy competencies and how to integrate circular economy holistically into their curricula with the suitable teaching and learning approaches. This study aims to support them by providing an overview on the characteristics of education for the circular economy (ECE) and suggestions to lecturers to further develop their curricula.Design/methodology/approachThe data consisted of scientific articles (n = 22) describing circular economy courses in higher education. Qualitative content analysis with quantitative features was performed on the selected articles to answer the research question.FindingsThe findings confirm that the system's focus is the key issue in ECE. However, to integrate circular economy holistically into the curricula, ECE should be implemented more widely in the context of different industries and market contexts to find innovative teaching and learning approaches. The demand side needs to be incorporated in the courses, as systemic transformation is also about transforming consumption. All levels of implementation and circular economy objectives should be included in courses to promote systems thinking. In addition, innovative forms of real workplace interaction should be increased.Originality/valueAs ECE has started to emerge as a new field of study, this article provides the first integrated overview of the topic. |
| Author Keywords |
Circular economy; Education for the circular economy; Teaching and learning; Competencies; Higher education; Sustainable development |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:001178801500001 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Education & Educational Research |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Education & Educational Research |
| PDF |
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