Abstract:

As Europe moves towards a green and digital future, there is a growing need for education models that combine technological innovation with sustainable and circular practices. The project “Digital Deep tech Driven Circular Economy”-3D CIRCULAR advances this vision by playing a pivotal role in reskilling and upskilling young talents, professional experts, and the broader European workforce, with a vision that extends beyond EU borders, in enhancing their digital and circular economy skills towards closing the gap for a blooming digital circular economy in the EU. The mission of the 3D-CIRCULAR project is to build the next generation of the educational and certification ecosystem for exercising expert-level, interdisciplinary capabilities within the context of promoting a European, digitally native, circular economy.

It brings together higher education institutions, research organisations, and industry partners to co-design interdisciplinary Master’s and Doctorate programmes, as well as flexible, self-standing learning modules for upskilling and lifelong learning. In addition to these degrees, 3D-CIRCULAR introduces micro-credentials that provide flexible learning opportunities, enabling the recognition of skills across academic and industrial contexts. This paper presents the framework that guides the development of the 3D-CIRCULAR educational ecosystem. Specifically, the paper outlines how academia and industry collaborate to identify emerging digital and green skills, design modular curricula, and integrate experiential learning components. Through this approach, 3D-CIRCULAR promotes a balance between academic depth and industry expertise, ensuring that learners acquire competences aligned with Europe’s green and digital transition goals.

Keywords:

Deep-tech education, circular economy, digital skills, sustainable development.