Abstract:

In the face of multiple, complex, global challenges, competencies such as communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking become increasingly relevant for all researchers involved in shaping a sustainable future [1, 2]. In this context, the development of transferable skills among PhD students becomes more pressing. Current research on skill development during PhD programs indicates that “[…]collaborative training trajectories can indeed result in the development of a broader set of skills without negative effects on academic skill development” [3].While S. Mowbray and C. Halse changed the perspective on skills acquired through the PhD towards “[..] a formative developmental process of acquiring intellectual virtues” [4], the seven skill categories they found through their interviews are mostly gained through individual experience.

Circular economy (CE) provides concepts and methods to keep materials longer in the value chain, by both rethinking traditional business models and mindsets, and through innovative technological solutions [5]. The principles of the CE are fundamental to support the “European Green Deal” and the “17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, by combatting climate change, depletion of resources, excessive consumption, and exorbitant waste streams. Engagement with this research field requires and hones transferable skills such as critical thinking and creativity. As a multidisciplinary research field, the community benefits heavily from multiple scientific perspectives and the exchange to solve challenges in a sustainable way.

The Doctoral Summer School on Entrepreneurship in a Circular Economy (DocSumECE), funded by EIT RawMaterials, has been a successful Europe-wide concept for over six years, with over 150 doctoral candidates. Each time it takes place at another location, and over a course of an intensive week, participants learn collaboratively about circular economy and a variety of team work and communication skills. The concept comprises a pre-learning phase (e-learning on the Moodle platform) and the on-site 5-day workshops. In the 5-day course, the participants apply both knowledge from their own scientific fields as well as the newly gained knowledge from the course to solving real industry challenges.

In this paper, we would like to share the DocSumECE concept and the key learnings from the last years of conducting a summer school for PhD Students. Will be reflected on from the evaluations that have been conducted in the last turned of summer school program. Additionally, we share the digital transformation process from an on-site course towards a digital concept – due to the outbreak of the pandemic – to provide insight on how to stay resilient within the concept. The evaluation on the content and networking aspects of the program and the continuing reflection on the topic reveal that the summer school has not only successfully enabled researchers to share their expertise in the field of Circular Economy, but also proved to foster a collaborative community among researchers.

Keywords:

Transferable Skills, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy, Circular Economy, PhD Training, Multi-actor Research Programs (MARPs).