The CircBioNam project aims to strengthen collaboration between Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), University of Turku (UTU), Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), and University of Namibia (UNAM) to promote circular bioeconomy. It highlights the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in driving a sustainable future and responds to the need for educational renewal identified in ongoing projects.
Main activities include: 1) Staff visit from Namibia to Finland for company visits, workshops, and lectures, 2) Intensive course in Namibia focusing on circular bioeconomy, including student and staff exchanges, 3) Webinar engaging global south networks in circular bioeconomy development, 4) Online teaching implementations, 5) Long-term student mobilities.
The project supports internationalization, develops new collaboration activities, and strengthens research and development practices. It includes short-term and long-term mobilities for students and staff between Finland and Namibia
Background
Climate change and the need for a green and just transition are global challenges. The circular economy seeks to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, requiring new solutions and business models. HEIs are pivotal in equipping future professionals with the skills to work in multidisciplinary, international teams and value chains.
The need for CircBioNam was identified in the ongoing "Circular Economy Business Models in Namibia: Capacity building" project, funded by Finnpartnership, ending in August 2025. Previous workshops created a knowledge base and ecosystem for collaboration. The FP project produced a vision, roadmap, and ecosystem description for circular economy in Namibia, which CircBioNam builds upon, focusing on education renewal, company collaboration, and R&D.
Existing collaborations between Finnish and Namibian institutions provide a strong foundation. TAMK and TAU have worked with UNAM and NUST on digital education tools, while UTU has ongoing research and education projects with UNAM
Goal
The aim of the project is to strengthen partnerships between partners in education, research and student and staff exchange. The aim is also to co-develop training and pilot existing digital training implementations, as well as to improve staff skills in interdisciplinary, digital and sustainable education. The aim is also to apply learning models to co-operation with industry.
Impact
Expected impact includes intercultural exchange and network building for students and staff, improved knowledge and professional skills in circular bioeconomy, better understanding of global South contexts and resource-limited settings, strengthened capacity for managing international partnerships and mobility.
Integration of project outcomes into educational and research activities of participating organizations ensures the impact.
Funding source
TFK-ohjelma (Team Finland Knowledge)
Main funder
Opetushallitus
Contact persons
silja.kostia [at] tuni.fi