Intercultural Capacity Building for a Circular Economy
Fostering Intercultural Dialogue and Collaborative Learning for a Sustainable Circular Economy
Key data
- Degree
- Confirmation of participation
- Next start
- 8.9.2025
- Duration
- 4 days
- Final application date
- 22.8.2025
- School days
- 8.9.2025 – 11.9.2025
- Teaching language
- English
- Place
- FHNW Campus Muttenz
- Fee
- CHF 1'320
The intercultural seminar brings together lecturers and participants from 2 continents and 4 countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Germany and Switzerland. Circular Economy (CE) is discussed globally but the interpretation of its application differs from country to country. Local experiences and national expectations will be brought together with the aim to learn from each other and to become more sensitized for the urgent need to understand CE at university level.
CE is a highly complex topic: Product and material streams, collection, transportation, treatment, markets, business models, culture and transformation. Special emphasis is put on systemic thinking approach, interdisciplinary subjects, intercultural dimension, diversity of participants and teachers.
Day 1: Introduction to the key elements and success factors of a circular economy
Day 2: Case study on food waste streams
Day 3: Case study on electronic waste streams
Day 4: Key learnings, summary and wrap up
The seminar is designed for professionals from the participating countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, and Switzerland) working in industries or organizations involved in circular economy, sustainability, environmental management, or international business models, seeking interdisciplinary and international exchange. Students from the cooperating universities can also participate in the seminar, provided they meet the admission requirements. This offers professionals valuable insights into the perspectives and approaches of advanced Life Sciences students, with the added benefit of direct interaction. In turn, students gain from the expertise of, and first-hand exchanges with, industry professionals and can connect with potential future employers.
The seminar includes presentations, lectures and case studies in intercultural teams.
Preparation: Participants gather information on their country's specific situation regarding the two discussed topics (food waste and e-waste).
Participants have a profound understanding of the concept of a CE and related tools and methods and can successfully apply the concept in concrete case studies in intercultural teams.
The seminar is held by lecturers from the cooperating universities (lecturers are subject to change):
- FHNW School of Life Sciences (Switzerland): Prof. Dr. Christoph Hugi, Dirk Hengevoss, Lena Breitenmoser, Philippe Langer
- Chiang Mai University (Thailand): Prof. Patiroop Pholchan, Prof. Napat Jakrawatana, Prof. Pimluck
- Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Vietnam): Prof. Nguyen Thi Anh Tuyet
- TH Köln (Germany): Prof. Ridwan Rusli
