Aalto University Summer School

Circular Economy

Sustainable development requires a fundamental shift in how resources are used, and the transition will have fundamental implications. The students will learn how circular business models are designed and how they provide value to the customer.
Three persons in yellow, red and blue jackets walking through a field.

Teaching period:

-

Application period:

1.2.2024 – 31.5.2024

Course format:

Campus

Duration:

2 weeks part-time

Course level:

Undergraduate

Field of study:

Business and Economics

Credits:

2 ECTS

Organiser:

Aalto University

Tuition fees:

590€

Sustainable development requires a fundamental shift in the way resources are used in our economic system. Instead of continuing a linear economic model where resources are used and discarded, we need to shift to a circular economy model where economic value is created through the circular use of resources. The transition towards a circular economy has fundamental implications for businesses and other organizations.

Furthermore, the transition to circular economy does not only ask ‘what should be done?’, but urges to ask, ‘how are we thinking?’. Systems thinking is an essential part of circular economy, as it identifies the interconnectivity of economic, political, social, and ecological systems.

A circular economy offers a wide range of opportunities that can provide economic and supply chain advantages to organisations and value to the customer. In this introductory course to circular economy, you will:

  1. Learn core concepts and principles of circular economy thinking
  2. Gain insight into how these concepts and principles are brought to life in practice via concrete examples and company visits
  3. Apply these concepts and principles to design a circular solution
  4. Develop an understanding of circular economy from environmental, social, and economic angles from a multidisciplinary perspective
     

Know-how in designing and developing circular business models and value chains will be an asset in various organizations and sectors, for example, in the largest waste-creating industries, such as the textile, food, and construction industries. As circular solutions become more widespread, knowing how to tackle the pitfalls of circularity is essential for future professionals across disciplines.

Summer School alum story: Embracing sustainability and diverse perspectives in the Circular Economy course

The Circular Economy course taught Dominika Kwasková new perspectives in both the business world and in working with a diverse group.

Dive into Dominika's experience from 2023
Dominika ja hänen ryhmänsä pitämässä esitelmää kurssin viimeisenä päivänä

Karelia Dagnaud
Karelia Dagnaud

Teacher Information

Karelia Dagnaud is a Doctoral Researcher at the Department of Management Studies of the Aalto University School of Business and alum of the Creative Sustainability master’s program. Her research explores organising for sustainability, specifically in the context of the textile and fashion sector, using qualitative research methods. Prior to her master’s studies, Karelia completed a bachelor’s degree in political science and worked in the field of communications and marketing in Montreal, Canada.

Information for Summer School Applicants
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Aalto University Summer School

Aalto University Summer School offers high quality academic summer courses and programs at Aalto University.

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Summer school teacher interview: Discover sustainable solutions for a better future with the Circular Economy summer course

The innovative Circular Economy course encourages students to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to understanding resources and sustainability.

News
Aalto University Summer School networking event

Extracurricular programme and social events

Get to know your coursemates and Finland through engaging extracurricular activities and social events organised by the Summer School team.

Aalto University Summer School
School of Business students. Photo: Ari Toivonen

Financial Times: Aalto University School of Business world's top in sustainability education

The School of Business is one of five business schools in the world to get the Financial Times recognition

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 Summer School Team

Summer School Team

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