The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative to promote circular economy concepts across South Asia through the EU-funded KODECET project. The ‘Knowledge Development for Circular Economy Transition (KODECET)’ project unites esteemed faculty members from six partner institutions: University of Jyväskylä (Finland), FH JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH (Austria), BIMTECH (India), NIRMA University (India), Prince of Songkla University (Thailand), and Payap University (Thailand). The project is led by Dr. Bhavesh Sarna from the University of Jyväskylä, with Dr. Veenu Sharma from BIMTECH serving as the National Lead for India. Faculty members from BIMTECH participating in this project include Dr. K. K. Upadhyay, Dr. Prateek Jain, Dr. Anupama Singh, and Ms. Svadha Rai.
Launched in January 2024, the project aims to establish four Digi-SUSTEACH centers to enhance the instructional capacity of university faculty, students, and early-stage professionals in Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE). These centers will serve as digital hubs for teaching and research, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide world-class training and develop comprehensive SACE courses with diverse learning materials.
Under the leadership of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), the project seeks to integrate SACE principles into the core curriculum of higher education institutions. The inaugural Kick-Off meeting on January 22, 2024, at Payap University in Thailand marked the beginning of this collaborative effort among partner universities across Finland, Austria, India, and Thailand. The project aims to develop a SACE-skilled workforce for a better business and environmental future.
The BIMTECH team includes:
- Dr. Veenu Sharma (Project National Lead)
- Dr. Pankaj Priya (Deputy Director, BIMTECH)
- Dr. K. K. Upadhyay (Project Member)
- Dr. Prabina Rajib (Director, BIMTECH)
- Dr. Bhavesh Sarna (Project Lead, University of Jyväskylä)
- Dr. Prateek Jain (Project Member)
- Dr. Anupama Singh (Project Coordinator)
- Ms. Svadha Rai (Project Manager)
Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of BIMTECH, highlighted the bright prospects of the circular economy in India, emphasising the project’s role in strengthening knowledge and learning about circular economy education through collaborative initiatives. She believes that these collective efforts will be instrumental in establishing a foundation for circular economy education in South Asia. The Digi-SUSTEACH centres will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to provide world-class training and develop comprehensive circular economy courses featuring diverse learning materials to cater to various learning styles.
The €790,010 EU-funded KODECET project signifies a major step forward for circular economy education and research in India. This 36-month collaboration among six partners from four countries fosters international cooperation and paves the way for innovation in the field. The Digi-SUSTEACH centres are key to achieving the project’s goals. These digital hubs will be equipped with advanced computing systems, interactive learning platforms, and simulation software to provide an immersive learning experience.
To achieve its ambitious goals, the project will train 20 faculty members who will then educate 120 students on circular economy principles. Additionally, a social media hackathon will engage students and raise awareness. Further strengthening the initiative, NIRMA University will design intensive workshops to equip faculty members with the necessary skills to effectively teach circular economy concepts. FH JOANNEUM University will develop courses covering waste management, resource efficiency, and sustainable business models – all crucial aspects of the circular economy. Prince of Songkla University plays a key role in establishing the Digi-SUSTEACH centres, while Payap University will disseminate information about the project to ensure its goals and achievements reach a wider audience, promoting greater adoption of circular economy principles.
The KODECET project, with its focus on education and collaboration, is building a strong educational framework for circular economy principles. By empowering educators and students with advanced tools and resources, the project aims to drive a sustainable transformation across South Asia and beyond.
Inspired by its founder, the late Basant Kumar Birla, BIMTECH has pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH proudly holds the 48th position in the Management Category in NIRF-National Institutional Ranking Framework 2023 and secures the 17th rank among the top private B-Schools in India, as per Business Today-MDRA Best B-Schools Ranking 2023. Additionally, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. The institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 7000 individuals.
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