Inclusive Ecosystems for Sustainable Futures
Diversity in Circular Economy and Economic Development – University of Skovde, Sweden
In May 2025, the Business School at the University of Skövde organised and hosted a workshop within the Erasmus+ Sustain-ACE project.
The workshop “Inclusive Ecosystems for Sustainable Futures: Diversity in Circular Economy and Economic Development” was planned and implemented in collaboration with the university’s research and administrative support units, in cooperation with ASSAR, and together with the Sustain-ACE project manager, Rodica Blidișel, and partner universities. Adina Popa, the local coordinator for the Sustain-ACE project, worked with colleagues from the Business School and other faculties at the University of Skövde, as well as local stakeholders, to organise the workshop.
The two-day workshop marked the first networking event of the Erasmus+ Sustain-ACE project and brought together participants from across Europe and beyond, including academics, students, researchers, competence centres, public authorities, private companies, and non-profit organisations, creating a truly inclusive ecosystem for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Day 1: Academic Exchange, Sustainable Practices, and Inclusive Educational Approaches
The first day was dedicated to academic and practical exchanges: presentations by partner universities, competence centers, and companies on sustainability, the circular economy, and the education of the future. Participants explored inclusive and collaborative learning methods, including reverse mentoring, game-based learning, and roundtable discussions to exchange best practices.
The first day was dedicated to academic perspectives, policy framework, and industry practices related to sustainability, circular economy, and future-oriented education.
The morning session included presentations from partner universities, regional competence centres, and industry representatives, addressing topics such as:
- policies for climate risk management;
- micro-credits and vocational training;
- sustainable energy systems;
- good practices in family businesses and small banks;
- thinking about scenarios for sustainable economic development.
The programme combined academic perspectives with practical experiences, highlighting how inclusive ecosystems support sustainable economic development and the transition to the circular economy. Participants represented diverse disciplines — economics, business, engineering — and varied levels of study, from undergraduate students to doctoral students.
The afternoon session was structured in presentations and interactive activities to promote inclusive, sustainable education:
- Session A: Implementation of sustainability strategies in education, students’ perception of sustainability in higher education, and how Swedish small banks manage double materiality according to CSRD.
- Session B: Innovative and participatory approaches in education, including reverse mentoring (students as knowledge brokers), interactive game-based learning sessions for sustainability, and roundtables for the exchange of best practices and collaboration between universities.
The sessions facilitated active dialogue between students, faculty, and practitioners, emphasizing inclusion, co-creation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Day 2: Study and Applied Learning Visits
Day 2 offered applied experiences through study visits, demonstrating how the principles of sustainability and circular economy are put into practice in industry and education, together with industry and innovation partners:
- Visits to ASSAR Circular Labs and Material Connexion, followed by group discussions and student activities on sustainability topics;
- Presentation of innovative methodologies of scientific communication at Balthazar Science Center;
- Visit to Volvo, illustrating the application of the principles of the circular economy and sustainability in the industry.
The workshop highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, thereby strengthening the Sustain-ACE network and offering concrete perspectives on sustainable economic development.
