Seminar Intercultural Capacity Building for a Circular Economy, FHNW School of Life Sciences

The circular economy is a highly complex topic: product and material streams, collection, transportation, treatment, markets, business models, culture and transformation. Learn the key elements and success factors of a sustainable circular economy and apply them in real-life case studies.

By the end of the seminar you will have developed a profound understanding of the circular economy with related tools and methods, and will be able to:

• successfully apply them in real-world case studies in intercultural teams
• facilitate change processes in intercultural and cross-sector contexts
• apply systemic thinking to real-world challenges
• reflect on your role as a changemaker and act with cultural sensitivity

This seminar is designed for professionals in industries or organizations involved in the circular economy, sustainability, environmental management or international business models, who are seeking interdisciplinary and international exchange.

It is also open to students of participating universities. The combination of working professionals and students creates a dynamic and mutually enriching learning environment. Professionals benefit from fresh academic perspectives and the chance to connect with emerging talent, students gain insight into real-world industry practices, expand their network and engage directly with experienced practitioners.

This intercultural seminar brings together lecturers and participants from 2 continents and 4 countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Germany and Switzerland. The circular economy is discussed globally but interpretation of applications differs from country to country. Local experience and national expectations are brought together with the aim of learning from each other and becoming more sensitive to the urgent need to understand the circular economy at university level.

The seminar combines academic input with practical application and intercultural exchange – empowering you to apply what you learn immediately.
Day 1: Introduction to 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 messages, summary and wrap up

Preparation: Participants gather information on their country's specific situation regarding the two topics discussed (food waste and electronic waste).

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
• 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

All general documents can be found here.