Abstract:

Europe’s twin green and digital transition depends on a workforce that can apply circular economy principles using advanced digital technologies. Yet skills development remains fragmented: sustainability education often lacks deep technological capacity, while digital upskilling frequently overlooks circularity, traceability, and implementation constraints. The 3D-CIRCULAR project responds to this gap by positioning deep tech as a practical enabler of operational circularity—supporting organisations and public actors in moving from ambition to measurable change.

This article presents the 3D-CIRCULAR strategic approach as a pan-European education and capacity-building model that integrates AI, IoT, blockchain and digital twins with circular economy strategies and adoption pathways. The initiative develops joint, modular programmes at Master level (ISCED 7 / EQF 7)—including MSc, MBA and MSc by Research routes—and connects them to structured progression opportunities towards doctoral studies (ISCED 8 / EQF 8), strengthening an end-to-end talent pipeline for the twin transition.

The approach is implemented through a structured model that links skills intelligence with learning design and delivery. First, the project maps emerging competence needs for digitally enabled circularity by engaging key stakeholders and analysing sectoral demand signals. Second, these insights are translated into an interdisciplinary curriculum architecture with clearly defined learning outcomes and quality criteria that support cross-institutional delivery. Third, implementation is anchored in cross-sector collaboration, bringing together universities, industry and public actors to co-create learning activities that reflect real circular challenges and technology adoption barriers.

The paper argues that the 3D-CIRCULAR project operationalises the twin transition by strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, certification bodies and policymakers, while enabling scalable learning routes that combine theoretical depth with applied problem-solving.

Keywords:

Circular Economy, Deep Tech, DigiComp, GreenComp, 3D-Circular project.