Background

The second-largest city in Lithuania, Kaunas, requires a much stronger focus on the transition towards a circular economy that brings great opportunities to cities and citizens. Modernisation, transformation and sustainability are inevitable for the economy. It is not only beneficial for the competitive market but also for the substantial economic effect. Building a circular economy brings energy savings and environmental benefits. Therefore, cities play an essential part in the path towards economic growth, employment and social integration.

Our challenge

The key factor towards the transition to the circular economy is the support for a long-term circular ambition on an institutional level. Policy plays an important role in enabling or constraining the transition: promoters, facilitators and enablers of the circular economy need political support, otherwise, they will remain isolated and individual projects will remain unconnected. There is the need to build knowledge among local governance, market and society for a circular economy. These challenges require new solutions to ensure sustainability. Kaunas city needs to change in several areas such as mobility, employment, production and consumption models, use of natural (non-renewable) resources, mature and emerging markets and business sectors. Transitioning to a more circular economy and sustainable use of non-renewable resources is crucial for achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Expected impact

A circular and sharing economy has environmental benefits as it decouples the economic development from the consumption of non-renewable, or less often, renewable resources. As a result, it minimises the negative impact on the environment and accelerates innovations and new technologies. It creates employment opportunities and increases system efficiency while also provides opportunities for businesses and challenges both private and public sectors.

Target groups

Regional business, educational institutions, residents, municipality

Welcomed students

This challenge is part of the course “Development of Challenge-Based Innovation” at the Kaunas University of Technology. After completing the course, learners are awarded a transcript of records with 6 ECTS credits issued by the Kaunas University of Technology and a certificate of participation in the challenge issued by ECIU University. 

Deadline for applications – 17/09/2021

The course will be delivered online from 01/10/2021 to 22/12/2021. The learners will work in multi-disciplinary and international teams together with the teamcher and the challenge provider.