CirculEC

At its core, CirculEC aims to revamp existing curricula and modules within HEIs to align with the principles of circular economy. By updating disciplines tailored to the specific needs of Kazakhstan (KZ), Turkmenistan (TKM), Tajikistan (TJ), and Uzbekistan (UZ), the project ensures that educational offerings are finely attuned to the unique contexts of each country.

Through targeted interventions and capacity-building activities, CirculEC will empower HEIs to lead the charge in fostering a culture of sustainability and innovation. By cultivating a generation of graduates equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills, the project envisions a future where Central Asian countries thrive in harmony with their ecosystems while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.

The outcomes of the CirculEC project encompass a wide range of impacts at various levels, from education and knowledge dissemination to regional and individual levels. Here’s a summary of the key outcomes:

1.Education and Knowledge Dissemination:

• The project will contribute significantly to education and knowledge dissemination in the field of circular economy.
• It will develop and implement innovative subprograms at regional, national, and international levels, enhancing awareness about resource conservation and waste reduction.
• By studying circular economy principles, students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to support circular economy initiatives in their careers, fostering innovation and providing a competitive advantage in the job market.

2.Internationalization of Higher Education:

• Collaborating with Central Asian partners, the project will introduce innovative modules into educational programs, modernize teaching and learning methods, and enhance universities’ competence in circular economy and environmental protection.
• This will strengthen the internationalization of higher education and foster integration between academia and the corporate sector.

3.Institutional Impact:

• The project will not only introduce modernized educational programs but also impact the overall activities of universities.
• It will enhance employer involvement in program development, increasing the program’s practical orientation.
• Relationships established with employers will benefit other university departments.

4.Local/Regional Impact:

• By involving stakeholders in program development, the project will indirectly impact employers and local authorities.
• Joint events and round tables will establish links with the workforce, while dissemination activities will increase the project’s visibility and encourage the use of project results.

5.Individual Impact:

• The project will build the capacity of teaching staff, creating a pool of experts in circular economy-related fields.
• Staff will gain knowledge of educational program development, international trends in higher education, and new teaching approaches, improving their skills and language proficiency.

6.Impact on Entrepreneurs/Businesses:

• Short-term benefits include assistance in updating business models and optimizing processes according to circular economy concepts.
• Long-term benefits include the development of new revenue streams based on green technology applications, leading to strategic competitive advantage and sustainable growth.

7.Impact on Teaching Staff and HEIs:

• HEIs adopting the project’s syllabus and training methods will gain a competitive advantage, attracting more students, researchers, and collaboration opportunities.

8.Impact on University Students and Industry Employees:

• Students will receive timely and practical knowledge, encouraging exploration of entrepreneurial pathways in the circular and sustainable field.

9.Impact on Policy Makers:

• Policy makers will benefit from new knowledge to design circular economy initiatives and develop legislation supporting sustainable economic transitions.

10.Impact on Citizens:

• Citizens will benefit from the dissemination of project objectives and results, contributing to the development of green energy and environmentally friendly development paths.

In summary, the CirculEC project will have far-reaching impacts across various sectors, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing the competitiveness of Central Asian countries in the global arena.

• Zhadyra Konurbayeva – Project manager/vice-rector for science and innovation
• Saule Rakhmetullina – Researcher/Rector 
• Madina Yussubaliyeva – administrative personnel/ Participant Contact Coordinator
• Oxanan Kassimova – administrative personnel
• Madina Rakhimberdinova – teacher
• Alfiya Zakimova  – teacher
• Zhanat Idrisheva – teacher 
• Gulzhan Daumova – teacher