Project number: 2024-1-NO01-KA220-HED-000246621
Implementation period: 01.10.2024 – 30.09.2026
Assistance program: Erasmus+
Project description
The FReINDs project supports the EU’s push for a sustainable, low-carbon economy through Industrial Symbiosis (IS). IS is a collaborative approach in which waste and by-products from one firm become resources for another, significantly reducing landfill waste and the need for primary resources. Recognizing the need for skilled professionals in IS, FReINDs offers a 60-hour curriculum to train Industrial Symbiosis Managers (ISMs). Targeting graduates in business, engineering, and related fields, this program blends theory with hands-on experience, providing relevant skills for the circular economy. FReINDs aligns with EU priorities by advancing green transition, promoting innovative teaching, and enhancing digital readiness. The project equips industries—especially SMEs—to adapt IS practices for greater competitiveness and environmental impact, contributing to the EU’s climate and digital transformation goals.
Target group
- Graduates in socio-economic disciplines
- Adult educators
Project results
- R1: FReINDs Research Report – a transnational study led by ISSBS across five EU countries, aimed at researchers, specialized companies, public institutions, and social enterprises. This report will shape the FReINDs project outcomes, inform the Industrial Symbiosis Manager (ISM) training curriculum, and serve as a key resource for future ISMs. Additionally, it will guide the development of the FReINDs Digital Toolkit, designed to equip IS professionals with practical tools for competitive, market-ready digital IS practices.
- R2: FReINDs Curriculum – digital course on Industrial Symbiosis (IS) for graduates in socio-economic fields, covering IS basics, Life Cycle Assessment, sustainable resource management, circular economy practices, and supply chain trends. Developed with EU standards, it combines 60 hours of blended learning, including hands-on experience with social enterprises. Following feedback from a pilot phase, it will be integrated into a postgraduate program.
- R3: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) – open-access training in Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and Circular Economy (CE), based on the validated curriculum. It will be free and available for five years after the project concludes, supported by partner resources.
- R4: IS Toolkit – web-based tool will allow SMEs to assess their readiness for IS and CE. It will be accessible, user-friendly, and driven by conducted research findings, designed to offer an engaging experience while meeting FReINDs accessibility standards.
- R5: FReINDs Network– the project will establish a collaborative platform connecting stakeholders from business, academia, government, and non-profits. This network will foster knowledge-sharing, enhance curriculum quality and relevance, and provide students with insights into real-world IS and CE challenges.
Partners
Universitetet I Stavanger – Stavanger, Norway (coordinator)
Exeo Lab Srl – Potenza, Italy
Mednarodna fakulteta za družbene in poslovne študije – Celje, Slovenia
Banku Augstskola – Riga, Latvia
Danmar Computers – Rzeszow, Poland
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