The Circular Economy as a Social Innovation

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Maybe you have heard about the circular economy, and that it can help in solving environmental and social problems. But what is the circular economy, and what can it mean for our life, study, and work? In this course, you will learn about the environmental and social reasons why Europe and the Netherlands aim to transition towards a circular economy. You will also learn that this transition needs social innovations to work: Innovations in society, business, and how people relate to each other.

The current linear take-make-waste economy negatively impacts the natural and social environment. The circular economy is an alternative that promises ways to regenerate the natural environment. In addition, the circular economy also promises to enhance social justice and it relies on innovative forms of social organizing. However, despite these promises, the social aspects of the circular economy are often overlooked in teaching. 

This course is one of the first to focus on the social side of the circular economy. It draws from experiences in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Europe, where social innovations and social justice are part of various circular initiatives. The course is also developed as part of two large research projects. A first research project investigates social innovations for the circular economy and focuses on organizations such as Repair Cafés. A second project investigates attempts to green city buildings in a way that creates social and environmental benefits and focuses on phenomena such as green roofs. 

The course draws on previous work conducted by the (guest) teachers as part of a community focusing on people at the heart of circularity. This community consists of researchers and professionals and is organized by Het Groene Brein.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, students will:

• understand the reasons for the transition towards the circular economy
• understand the different strategies for material circularity
• analyze social (economic, political, cultural, market, regulatory) barriers and enablers of the circular economy
• analyze social innovations for circularity
• create social innovations for circularity
• evaluate to what extent social innovations for circularity generate social justice and environmental sustainability

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and guest lectures, Excursions (to the forest, to the city of Amsterdam, to business/organizations), Workshops, Student presentations.

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT

Individual written assignment (Essay) and Presentation (Students participate in sessions for co-creating social innovations for circularity and showcase their creations).