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Circularity

CRN actively supports the transition towards a circular economy. This work integrates social science research with practical implementation. It aligns with global efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainable living.

CRN’s approach moves beyond basic recycling. It is centered on creating a comprehensive “circular mindset” and empowers active participation.

1. Systems Thinking and Design Thinking:
CRN promotes a holistic understanding of circularity. Their context-sensitive comparative analysis investigagets interconnected material flows and value chains. This approach helps identify leverage points for circular intervention across diverse regions and industries. For example, the SMILEce project investigates how microbreweries can apply circular economy schemes. CRN’s applied innovation directly addresses real-world challenges. They develop solutions to reduce waste and optimize resource use within a circular framework. Their focus extends to understanding entire product lifecycles, informing opportunities for better design.

2. Experiential and Hands-on Learning:
CRN prioritizes practical engagement. Their projects incorporate hands-on activities. CicloSchools involves school hackathons to promote circular economy education. This makes abstract concepts tangible and builds practical skills. Interactive experiences are key. The CoCo (Conscious Consumption) Project developed a serious game. This allows participants to explore challenges and opportunities of sustainable consumption in an engaging environment.

3. Co-creation and Collaborative Learning:
CRN believes in multi-stakeholder collaboration. Their participatory design brings together diverse groups. These include businesses, policymakers, consumers, and educators. This process co-creates circular solutions. The CIRCular City project exemplifies this, engaging communities in developing strategies for resource reduction and valorization. Active community engagement supports collective responsibility and implements circular initiatives at the local level.

4. Digital Tools and Technologies:
CRN uses digital platforms to enhance circular education and outreach. The EUCOM (European Circular Online Museum) creates an online space to engage the public with circular art themes. The RE-STOR-E project uses e-learning strategies for environmental consciousness and visual communication. These digital tools provide accessible learning opportunities and support broader awareness.

5. Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Approaches:
CRN integrates circular economy concepts across various fields. Their capacity building efforts focus on developing essential skills for the circular economy. The Competences4ESD project develops a training model for teachers on Education for Sustainable Development. This approach emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. CRN also addresses “soft skills” crucial for behavioral change. Their work on communication and community building fosters new mindsets.

6. Circularity and Creativity: Fostering New Perspectives
CRN also emphasizes the vital role of creativity and culture in advancing circularity. We understand that a shift to circular models requires new ways of thinking and problem-solving, often inspired by artistic and cultural perspectives. Projects like EUCOM (European Circular Online Museum) actively showcase the intersection of circular economy and cultural expression, using digital platforms to engage audiences creatively. Furthermore, initiatives such as CirculART-e explore how art can be a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and participation in circular transitions. This approach, also seen in the RE-STOR-E project which links visual communication with environmental consciousness, helps foster a deeper appreciation for resource value and inspires innovative design thinking. By integrating artistic and cultural dimensions, CRN aims to make circular principles more accessible and engaging for wider audiences.

Creating a Circular Society: A Systemic Approach
CRN’s work extends beyond individual projects to contribute to the broader vision of a circular society. We recognize that this transformation requires systemic change across all societal levels. Our transdisciplinary approach brings together diverse sectors—from academia and local government to businesses and civil society—to co-create comprehensive strategies. Projects like CIRCular City demonstrate how communities can actively participate in re-imagining urban resource flows. CRN’s emphasis on policy linkage ensures that lessons learned from ground-level initiatives inform broader strategic frameworks. By fostering a collective “circular mindset” through education and capacity building, CRN empowers citizens to become active drivers of this transition. This systemic engagement supports the creation of more resilient, resource-efficient, and equitable communities, aligning with overarching goals for a sustainable future.