The course covers topics related to the circular economy as a new concept for dealing with problems related to resource scarcity, economic sustainability and environmental degradation. Additionally, green ICTs will also be analyzed within the course, with a special focus on agriculture.
Course Overview Table
| Chapter | Details |
| Partner | University St. Kliment Ohridski – Bitola, Faculty of Information and Communication Technologies |
| Title | Circular Economy and Green ICT |
| Service | Course |
| Target Group | Small and medium-sized agricultural companies, individual farmers, employees in public administration, startups. |
| Format | Workshop including in-person training. |
| Focused on Key Technologies | Internet of Things (IoT), Composting, application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture, Crowdfunding platforms. |
| Status | Ready to offer. |
| Stakeholders from SME/PA Side | Farmers, potential farmers, agricultural advisors, food inspectors, environmental inspectors, agricultural entrepreneurs, ICT entrepreneurs. |
| Requirements for Participation | None. |
| Estimated Duration | 16 hours. |
Description of the Course
The circular economy is a development concept that promotes the conservation of limited economic resources and the reduction of waste generation. This concept represents a serious alternative to the linear economy that is guided by the principle: “take – produce – use – waste” and offers a new model according to the principle: “take – produce – use – repair – reuse – recycle”. It is characterized by low energy consumption, low emissions of pollutants and high efficiency in the use of resources during economic activity. This concept also changes business models, habits and mindsets of both producers and consumers. Circular products are designed in a way that allows them to be easily reused, repaired, refurbished and recycled. This way circular economy creates value and prosperity that provides environmental benefits (reduced environmental pollution, use of renewable energy sources, eco-innovations, etc.), social benefits (increased awareness among people about the importance of the environment, green transport, green architecture, etc.) and economic benefits (reduced costs for raw materials and energy, minimizing the use of expensive and limited resources, reducing waste management costs, creating new jobs, etc.). Moreover, new information and communication technologies (ICT) actually largely determine the possibilities of this concept. We are talking about the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0 or “Smart” Industry) such as: robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, 5G technologies, machine learning, etc. Therefore, this course will enable participants to acquire knowledge and skills in the field of circular economy. Also, participants will gain experience in the use of green ICT with special focus on agriculture. All in all, upon completion of the course, participants will be able to deal with some contemporary social, economic, environmental and technological phenomena, problems and challenges.
Additional Course Information
| Category | Details |
|
Developed skills |
Participants will acquire knowledge and skills, including: |
| -understanding economics as a science of scarce resources, as well as understanding its connection to the environment.-acquiring knowledge about the current economic situation in which the linear economy and consumerism prevails and how to transit to a circular economy.-acquiring knowledge about the socio-economic context of the circular economy.-acquiring practical knowledge about how this concept could be implemented at a business level (circular business).-acquiring knowledge about new green ICTs and their impact on businesses and agriculture. | |
| Learning Methods Used | Lectures, practical work in groups (exercises, group discussions, case studies), digital simulations, etc. |
| References/Resources | In preparation |
| Overview Slides | In preparation |