Managing Circular Economy

Special focus areas of the course will include circular economy business models and strategies, collaboration for circular economy, the role of different intermediaries such as public sector organizaitons and NGOs in the circular economy as well the role of new technologies as enablers of circular economy. Throughout the course, understanding nature of sustainability transitions and thinking in terms of systems will be important themes. Guest lectures will bring important insights from practicioners and professionals for understanding the practice of developing circular business.

Learning outcomes
Reaching the goals of sustainable development requires a fundamental shift in the way resources are used in our economic system. It requires a shift from a linear economic model where resources are used and discarded to a circular economy model, where resources and materials are reused and recycled. The circular economy refers to a model, where economic value is created through the circular use of resources. The societal transition towards circular economy has fundamental implications for businesses and other organizations.

Managing Circular Economy offers students tools and concepts to understand the transition towards circular economy, and the role of businesses and other organizations in it. Students will learn concrete methods for developing organizational capabilities for circular business, and thus benefit from the transition. This type of business requires a systemic perspective towards business, and the course will also contribute towards an impoved understanding of systems thinking in business as well as understanding of business sustainability action, especially towards enviromental goals.