Abstract:

This paper explores the interaction between institutional efforts to implement Circular Economy (CE) principles at the University of Novi Sad (UNS) and its participation in the European University Alliance for Global Health (EUGLOH). The aim is to examine how international university alliances can act as catalysts for sustainability transitions and support the systemic integration of CE frameworks in higher education. The study applies a mixed qualitative–analytical approach, combining document analysis (university strategic documents, EUGLOH work packages, CE action plans), semi-structured interviews with academic and administrative stakeholders, and comparative review of CE implementation models across EUGLOH partner universities. The research interprets findings through the lens of institutional capacity, governance responsiveness, and transnational collaboration.

Results indicate that participation in EUGLOH significantly strengthens CE adoption at UNS by providing access to knowledge-sharing platforms, joint training initiatives, and collaborative project opportunities. The integration of CE concepts has progressed most visibly in areas such as sustainable campus operations, digital and open educational resources, and student-driven innovation initiatives. However, progress varies across faculties depending on leadership engagement, resource availability, and strategic alignment. The findings emphasize the strategic value of European university alliances in accelerating sustainability transformations at local and institutional levels. They highlight the need for strengthened internal coordination, targeted capacity-building activities, and clearer integration of CE principles into teaching, research, and third mission activities.

The study focuses on a single university case within one alliance context, which may limit the generalization of results. Future research should include longitudinal evaluation and cross-institutional comparative analysis across EUGLOH partners. This paper contributes to emerging discussions on how CE frameworks can be institutionalized in higher education and demonstrates the role of transnational alliances as enablers of sustainable development goals. It provides practical insights for universities aiming to align internationalization strategies with sustainability and circular transformation agendas.

Keywords:

Circular Economy, Higher Education, University Alliances, EUGLOH, Sustainability Governance, University of Novi Sad.