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Features of the Higher Education for the Circular Economy: The Case of Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Ilaria Giannoccaro

    (Department of Mechanics, Mathematics, and Management, Polytechnic University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy)

  • Gaia Ceccarelli

    (Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering “Antonio Ruberti”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Luca Fraccascia

    (Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering “Antonio Ruberti”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Department of Industrial Engineering and Business Information Systems, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands)

Abstract

The higher education system plays a critical role in supporting the transition towards a circular economy (CE). It helps create business leaders and policymakers having appropriate skills, competences, and consciousness referring to the CE challenges. Nevertheless, few studies have specifically investigated how the higher education system is addressing the CE, how the current academic offering is integrating the CE principles, and which skills and competences are currently provided. This paper overcomes these limitations by investigating the current offering of the higher education for the CE in Italy. We analyze the academic programs, courses, and modules at different levels of 49 Italian universities and, by means of a detailed classification of the learning outcomes, provide a clear picture of the knowledge, skills, and competences offered by the CE education. We finally discuss implications of our findings concerning the development of CE education and CE jobs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilaria Giannoccaro & Gaia Ceccarelli & Luca Fraccascia, 2021. "Features of the Higher Education for the Circular Economy: The Case of Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-25, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:20:p:11338-:d:655803
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Roope Husgafvel & Daishi Sakaguchi, 2021. "Circular Economy Development in the Construction Sector in Japan," World, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-26, December.
    2. Silvia Tedesco & Elena Montacchini & Angela Lacirignola, 2023. "Supply Chains in Transition for the Development of Building Components: Three Educational Experiences in a Circular Economy Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-12, October.

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