Circular business models fostering sustainability

The course will start with the basic concept of Circular Economy, its definition, core characteristics, and differences with the linear economy. The definition of Circular Economy will then be enriched with the main frameworks for understanding Circular Economy (e.g., the butterfly diagram and the RESOLVE model). Additionally, the course will give some practical examples of companies applying Circular Economy principles. Having defined the concept, the course will deepen the topic from a business model perspective: frameworks and tools will be presented as a valuable means to design and evaluate Circular Business Models. Besides, the transition from linear to circular economy involves not only the company per se but also the whole business ecosystem. Accordingly, the concept of circular ecosystems will be defined together with the rationale behind the need for circular ecosystems. The course will also unveil the role of platforms in enabling the transition towards Circular economy. The course ends by identifying the main factors impacting Circular Economy adoption and investigating their role in the transition from linear to circular economy: digital technologies, policies and financing mechanisms. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) If you actively participate in this course, at the end you will be able to: WEEK 1 - Define the concept of Circular Economy - List its principles and clearly differentiate linear economy from circular economy - Describe the main models at the core of Circular Economy (e.g., the Butterfly Diagram) - Get to know some practical examples of companies applying Circular Economy principles - List its principles and clearly differentiate linear economy from circular economy WEEK 2 - Describe the classification of Circular Economy business models - Use a useful and handy tool to frame a successful Circular Economy Business Model - Define the concept of circular ecosystem and its rationale - Explain the role of platforms in Circular Economy WEEK 3 - Explain the role of digital technologies in enabling Circular Economy transition - Explain the role of policies in supporting Circular Economy transition - Describe the importance of financing mechanisms for Circular Economy ACTIVITIES Over and above consulting the content, in the form of videos and other web-based resources, you will have the opportunity to discuss course topics and to share ideas with your peers in the Forum of this MOOC. You will find a large number of readings and insights to further enrich your knowledge of the topics covered.