On March 26, 2025, as part of the international Erasmus+ ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE project "Developing Innovative Curricula and Modules in Circular Economy and Sustainable Development - CirculEC," a practical workshop was held at the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), dedicated to transforming the traditional "production-consumption-disposal" model into a sustainable closed-loop system, where waste is treated as a valuable resource.
The event brought together representatives from 11 universities in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU), the grant holder and coordinator of the CirculEC project, continues to play an active role in promoting sustainable development principles through international academic cooperation.
Professors Ángeles Pereira and Alberto Turnes from the University of Santiago de Compostela presented advanced approaches to building sustainable business models, where environmental and social factors are considered strategic assets. Participants explored the theoretical foundations of the circular economy and were introduced to practical tools such as biomimicry, industrial symbiosis, and circular production systems.
The highlight of the session was a hands-on workshop, during which international teams developed concepts for national clothing made from natural materials, applying circular economy principles to real-life scenarios.
As a result of the session, participants enhanced their skills in assessing business sustainability, creating transition strategies toward circular models, and collaborating on innovative solutions. The training marked an important step in the professional development of the attendees and further strengthened international cooperation within the framework of the CirculEC project.
EKTU continues to integrate international experience into the educational process and contributes to the training of a new generation of professionals capable of implementing effective and sustainable solutions across various economic sectors. The CirculEC project is helping to shape a relevant academic agenda aimed at transforming traditional industries in response to global challenges.
