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TAM Report | Kosovo - Circular economy

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Petya Mitova • 3 November 2025
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GENERAL INFORMATION

TAM title: Implementing principles of circular economy and social economy in the higher education system in Kosovo

Type of Event: Seminar

Modality: Presential 

Location: University Mitrovica “Isa Boletin”, Mitrovica

Country: Kosovo

Dates: 22 - 23 April 2024

Expert: Didier Joly, PhD, Green Berry Solution 

Participants: The TAM gathered 33 participants in total. The target audience included educators across all levels, policymakers, practitioners in the social and circular economy fields, students and young professionals interested in integrating, promoting, or pursuing careers related to social and circular economy principles.

THEMES COVERED

  • Introduction to the principles of the circular economy: promotion of the circular economy concept from the point of view of SMEs.

  • The development of the circular economy: integration of sustainable practices into curricula, training, collaboration and monitoring of entrepreneurship in sustainable development, best practices, policy perspectives and promotion of sustainability.

  • Careers in the growing field of circular economy and social economy

KEY OUTCOMES

During the workshop participants:

  • Gained a deeper understanding of the significance and potential benefits of circular economy principles, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in promoting sustainable development and resource efficiency. 

  • Through the examination of case studies and successful projects, identified numerous opportunities for implementing circular economy initiatives across various sectors in Kosovo. 

  • Acknowledged challenges such as the necessity for supportive policies, infrastructure, and stakeholder collaboration. 

  • Unanimously agreed on the necessity of integrating circular economy principles into higher education curricula and research endeavors. 

  • Highlighted the critical role of policy support and regulatory frameworks in facilitating the transition to a circular economy in Kosovo.

 

OVERVIEW

The seminar on the Development of Circular Economy provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and networking among key stakeholders committed to promoting circular economy principles in Kosovo. It addressed urgent challenges and emerging opportunities within the professional realms of the participants, spanning academia, industry, and government sectors.

By offering a comprehensive exploration of circular economy concepts—enriched by practical case studies and discussions on policy implications, the seminar equipped attendees with actionable insights and strategies tailored to their specific roles. The sessions encouraged meaningful interaction, fostering a collaborative environment in which participants could exchange ideas and share best practices.

Furthermore, the seminar served as a catalyst for deepening participants’ understanding of sustainable development frameworks and exploring innovative, circular approaches that support inclusive economic growth. Moving forward, it is imperative to translate the insights and recommendations derived from this event into tangible actions and policy initiatives. Doing so will ensure the momentum generated contributes meaningfully to Kosovo’s journey toward a more sustainable and resilient economy.

THE FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY

  • Title of the activity: “Stakeholder and Student Discussion on the Development of Circular Economy”

  • Dates: 18 June 2024

  • Audience: Eleven people attended the event, representing policymakers, educators, administrators, students, industry partners, civil society organizations, and members of the higher education community, all engaged in promoting sustainability and the circular economy.

Description: 

The event “Stakeholder and Student Discussion on the Development of Circular Economy” held on 18 June 2024 at UMIB brought together educators, experts, students, and stakeholders to explore the concept and relevance of circular economy in Kosovo. It featured presentations on global trends, local challenges, and policy gaps, followed by open discussions to gather stakeholder input and industry perspectives. The session concluded with the development of concrete policy recommendations and plans for future engagement and advocacy. 

The HERE Chair developed the policy brief on social and circular economy in Kosovo, based on the TAM seminar, desk research, and consultations with policymakers. Serving as a practical toolkit, the brief supports the shift from a “take-make-dispose” model to a sustainable circular economy, aligned with the Integrated Waste Management Strategy (2021–2030). It emphasizes the need for a Circular Economy Roadmap, public education, and awareness efforts to guide this transition.

Targeting policymakers, educators, students, administrators, industry, and civil society, the brief promotes integration of circular principles into policies, curricula, research, and institutional practices. It encourages collaboration across sectors, supports capacity building, and fosters a culture of sustainability within and beyond higher education. Distributed via the KEO website, social media, and email, the brief informs legislation, project planning, and public dialogue. It outlines next steps such as awareness-raising, legislative updates, and continuous improvement through feedback, aiming to build a more sustainable and resilient education system in Kosovo.

ENHANCING IMPACT: PROPOSED NEXT STEPS 

  • Reform higher education curricula to align with labor market demands, technological advancements, and international standards. Emphasize interdisciplinary learning, practical skills, and emerging fields through active collaboration with industry, employers, and professional associations.

  • Enhance credibility by establishing transparent accreditation criteria, conducting regular program evaluations, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Invest in faculty development, infrastructure, and institutional resources to elevate the overall quality of education.

  • Foster a strong research culture by encouraging faculty and student engagement in research, providing funding, and supporting collaborative projects with industry and government. Establish research centers, innovation hubs, and technology transfer offices to facilitate entrepreneurship and the commercialization of ideas.

  • Implement training programs and educational workshops to build stakeholder capacity in circular economy principles and sustainable practices across academia, industry, and public institutions.

  • Promote ongoing collaboration among academia, government, industry, and civil society to share knowledge, align efforts, and scale innovative circular economy solutions.

  • Advocate for enabling policies at all levels that support circular economy transitions, including regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, and standards promoting sustainable consumption, production, and resource efficiency.

RESOURCES AND BACKGROUND MATERIAL

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