Business Models for Circular Economy

Our economy is largely based on a make-use-dispose model that currently uses more resources than our planet can provide and causes pollution of our natural environment (e.g. plastic pollution). But in the world, where the goals of circularity still seem illusive, governments are enacting changes that gear the economies to transition to a circular economy and a more sustainable future. Thus, also businesses are increasingly relying on circular economy principles and new business models are emerging. This course provides competencies on the different principles of circular economy, on the opportunities that can be gained from closing loops, on gearing business models towards more circularity, on being able to recognize and overcome barriers (such as ingrained consumerism and inherent risks presented by being an early adopter of circular solutions), on how sharing economy can be applied on how companies, with collaboration of other stakeholders, can contribute to the circular economy transition.

The role of innovation will be explored, from the contribution of new technical innovations (including integrating new digital solutions) to creating new business opportunities - such as those based on selling services instead of products, product design, maintenance, repair, reuse, and remanufacturing, refurbishing, repurposing, efficient resource usage and recycling. We also examine the various new emerging issues businesses face today, such as the extended producer liability. The course will use a case-based format, integrate guest lecturers from policy and industry, as well as include visits.