Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida, recently concluded two regional multiplier events under the Erasmus+ funded KODECET (Knowledge Development for Circular Economy Transition) project, focusing on advancing circular economy education and promoting innovative pedagogical practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). The events brought together faculty members, academic leaders, CSR professionals, sustainability practitioners, industry representatives, and members of the DIGI-SUSTEACH and KODECET project teams. It served as a collaborative platform to discuss how circular economy principles can be systematically integrated into higher education curricula and teaching practices.
Addressing the participants, Director Dr. Prabina Rajib emphasized the evolving role of higher education, stating, “The future of higher education lies in its ability to align knowledge with responsibility. Circular Economy provides a powerful framework to prepare students not only for careers, but for contributing to sustainable systems and societal transformation.”
The event commenced with an overview of the KODECET project, an international initiative involving institutions from India, Thailand, and Europe, aimed at building capacity through curriculum development, digital learning platforms, and industry engagement. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the KODECET three-course framework, which provides a structured approach to circular economy education. The framework includes conceptual foundations (“What & Why”), implementation and delivery (“How”), and stakeholder-driven system leadership (“With Whom”).
Dr. Veenu Sharma, National Lead – KODECET, highlighted, “Circular Economy education must move from fragmented teaching to structured curriculum design”. The sessions also explored the role of higher education in fostering responsible citizenship, ethical leadership, and sustainability-driven decision-making. Highlighting industry expectations, Dr. K.K. Upadhyay, Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Sustainability and CSR, BIMTECH, remarked, “Industry today requires professionals who can translate sustainability into practice. This calls for deeper collaboration between academia and industry and the integration of circular economy principles into mainstream management education.”
The event incorporated innovative teaching methods, including case-based learning, interactive discussions, and experiential tools like the CIRCULA game, enabling participants to connect theory with real-world applications.Participants expressed strong appreciation for the structured approach to circular economy education. A faculty participant shared, “The session provided clarity on how to move beyond isolated sustainability topics and design integrated courses that are relevant to industry and society.”
Another participant from industry expressed, “The focus on practical tools like ESG and carbon accounting makes this initiative highly relevant for today’s business environment.”
The discussions also highlighted the increasing demand for skills in areas such as circular business models, sustainable supply chains, ESG reporting, and sustainability analytics. There was a clear consensus on the need for continuous faculty development and institutional support to scale circular economy education.Overall, the multiplier event successfully contributed to the dissemination of KODECET project outcomes and strengthened stakeholder engagement. It reinforced BIMTECH’s commitment to responsible management education and global academic collaboration.
Through initiatives like KODECET, BIMTECH continues to play a pivotal role in preparing future-ready graduates capable of addressing complex sustainability challenges and contributing to the transition toward a circular and regenerative economy.
