Towards the Circular Economy

Towards the Circular Economy
Engineering for the Information Society and Sustainable Development
Engineers or candidates with Master’s degrees in Engineering, interested in the topic proposed with a strong social vocation, eager to focus the research topic in the intersection between technological and social innovation.
  • Information Sciences and Engineering (ENG)
The Europe 2020 Strategy aims to achieve a future for the EU based on smart (knowledge and innovation), sustainable (more efficient use of resources, greener and more competitive) and inclusive growth (high level of employment with social and territorial cohesion). A more ambitious set of objectives have been established for 2050 to achieve a prosperous, modern and competitive economy, climate neutral.
On the other hand, since the 1980s, the term Circular Economy has been used, which implies a substantial conceptual change from the linear pattern based on «take-manufacture-consume and eliminate» and the hypothesis of the abundance, availability, ease of obtaining and cheap disposal of resources. This implies a systemic change in technological innovation, as well as in organization, society, financing methods and policies.
In all this context, in the European Union we find a strong impetus for the Circular Economy through policies and promotion and promotion measures, making the starting point the European Union’s strategy for growth and occupation.
The thesis on the Circular Economy will be not only a contribution to «close the loop» of the circular economy and tackle all phases in the lifecycle but also will target market barriers in specific sectors or material streams, such as plastics, food waste, critical raw materials, construction and demolition, biomass and bio-based products, as well as horizontal measures in areas such as innovation and investment.

EXCELLENCE OF THE HOST RESEARCH UNIT

UKAR, O., BARCO, H., ENCISO, M., CARO, A., “MULTIFACETED SOCIAL INNOVATIONS TACKLING FOOD WASTAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”, Atlas of social Innovation volume II. Social Innovation and Socio-Digital Transformation. 2019. En prensa
UKAR, O., MUÑECAS, I., “Social Innovation in the Energy Sector. Goiener S. Coop. Case in ENCISO, M.; MUGARRA, A.; CARO, A. (Eds)/Shaping the future of employment in Europe: social innovation as a driver for social change/ Modelando el futuro del empleo en Europa: Innovación social como un motor para el cambio social. Editorial Dykinson. 2019; In press.
ENCISO, M, “Social Innovation in the Field of Personal Care. Case of Servicios Sociales Integrados S. Coop.” in ENCISO, M.; MUGARRA, A.; CARO, A. (Eds)/Shaping the future of employment in Europe: social innovation as a driver for social change/ Modelando el futuro del empleo en Europa: Innovación social como un motor para el cambio social. Editorial Dykinson. 2019; In press.
ENCISO, M, MUGARRA, A. “La empresa, protagonista de la sostenibilidad ambiental: nuevos modelos y tendencias” en Antonio Cubero Truyo (dir.), Patricio Masbernat (dir.), Rocío Lasarte López (coord.), Teresa Pontón Aricha (coord.), Irma Johanna Mosquera Valderrama (pr.)Protección del Medio Ambiente. Fiscalidad y otras medidas del Derecho al Desarrollo Thomson Reuters Aranzadi, 2019, ISBN: 978-84-9177-823-3
ENCISO, M., CARO, A, CASTRO, ”Social Innovation in the Basque Country” en Atlas of Social Innovation, New Practices for a Better Future, January, 2018, ISBN: 978-3-921823-96-5
SI- Drive. Social Innovation: Driving Force of Social Change. FP7-SSH-2013-1
SOLIDUS: Solidarity in European Societies Empowerment, Justice, Citizenship. Horizon 2020 Programme Grant Agreement nº 649489
EUCLIPE Jean Monnet Chair 586906-EPP-1-2017-1-ES-EPPJMO-CHAIR
EUMACC Health-Aristos Campus Mundus 2015-“Energía y Sostenibilidad”
AULA ECO-EFICIENCIA. Diputación Foral de Bizkaia. 2012
ODENM. Diputación Foral de Bizkaia. 2011
CIERRE DEL PROCESO INTEGRAL DE VALORIZACIÓN DE FANGOS DE LA DEPURADORA DE AGUAS RESIDUALES DE AGUAS DEL AÑARBE – AÑARBEKO URAK, S.A. UE09+/75- Plan + Euskadi 09/Gobierno Vasco
EL RÉGIMEN EUROPEO DE COMERCIO DE EMISIONES DE GASES DE EFECTO INVERNADERO: CAPACIDADES Y EXPECTATIVAS DE UN INSTRUMENTO DE GOBERNANZA CLIMÁTICA. ERR:HM-2009/01/15. Departamento de Educación, Universidades e Investigación del Gobierno Vasco

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

This proposal is interdisciplinary form its own gestation with two main focus: social innovation and technological innovation applied to sustainability.
The thesis will be directed by Dra Olatz Ukar, Doctor in Engineering specialized in Sustainbality and Dra Marta Enciso, Doctor in Law specialized in Social Economy and Innovation.
Aligned with the 2030 Agenda, the Horizon Europe missions and goals and the Basque Country Smart Specialisation Strategy, DEUSTO research blends competitiveness, innovation and technology to tackle challenges for communities, companies and public bodies in the region. Ageing and Wellbeing; Cultural and Creative Industries and Cities; Gender; Social Justice and Inclusion and Strengthening Participation are the focus of the 5 Interdisciplinary Research Platforms. Besides, advanced research units contribute to generate knowledge and innovative solutions in the fields of efficient and clean Energy, Industry 4.0 (advanced manufacturing, data analytics…), Health and Territory.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

On 4 March 2019, the European Commission presented the main achievements under the Action Plan and sketched out future challenges to shaping the economy and paving the way towards a climate-neutral, circular economy.

So, the PhD proposal in fully linked with the most relevant international organizations priorities (United Nations), and especially at the EU Level:
• Europe 2020 Strategy aims to achieve a future for the EU based on smart (knowledge and innovation), sustainable (more efficient use of resources, greener and more competitive) and inclusive growth (high level of employment with social cohesion and territorial
• Agenda 2030 and 2050
• Circular Economy Package, 2015

On the other hand, in this proposed topic a intersection between social, economic and environmental aspects takes place, so Sustainable Development Goals are fully involved.
The PhD Candidate will be oriented to a international dimension in his/her research. In addition to the topic itself, a main focus will be both the global and the European dimension. Besides, the project will pursue to obtain the international mention, which implies a three month stage in another university or international organization. It will be decided together with the candidate according to his/her specific research situation, thesis proposal and the interdisciplinary aspects of the research project.

INTERSECTORAL COLLABORATION

The host researchers and the host units have a wide experience in collaboration with national and international stakeholders in their research: Basque Government, Social Business and Organizations, International Nets such as ACLIMA (the Basque Environment Cluster), ATEGRUS (Technical association for waste management, environment and urban cleaning), Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN),…

Deusto Research works closely with more than 1250 organisations (public administration, business, non-profit organisations, education and training institutions, technology centres, etc.) in areas such as health, urban development, gender, social justice and inclusion, democratic participation, regional competitiveness and energy. Since 2014 DEUSTO has been involved in 89 international research projects and worked with more than 770 partner organisations. From data collection to the implementation and piloting phases, stakeholders have an active role throughout the research project life cycle.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/transferencia-3/colaboracion-con-agentes-externos

IMPACT

Deusto Research pursues societal impact that goes beyond academia focusing on the transformation of today’s society, leading to fairer and more diverse societies, where inclusive social development and welfare are enhanced.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/en/home/dissemination-and-transfer

INNOVATION

This project aims to contribute to the development of a circular economy by fostering a more sustainable approach to the design of goods and services, use of resources and management of waste FROM A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH, WHERE SOCIAL INNOVATION IS KEY.

DEUSTO research internationalisation strategy pursues innovation through the participation in international research and innovation initiatives (H2020 projects, Innovation Radar)
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/en/home/transfer-of-knowledge-0/innovation-radar

INCLUSION

Inclusion is an underlying principle of the 6i Dirs project. The leadership vocation of the University of Deusto goes hand in hand with its aspiration to excellence and quality and a firm commitment to social justice and inclusion. The Interdisciplinary Platform on Social Justice and Inclusion articulates interdisciplinary collaborations and channel research efforts for contributing to social justice and more inclusive and fairer societies.
https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion/deusto-social-justice-and-inclusion/the-platform
Deusto recognises gender equality as a key driver for sustainable development and inclusive growth across regions, and believes that equality of academic opportunity for women is key. The Interdisciplinary Research Platform on Gender is a dynamic vehicle that teams up experts from different areas of knowledge with the dual purpose of fostering collaboration and integrating existing expertise to address society’s emerging challenges on gender issues. (https://www.deusto.es/cs/Satellite/deustoresearch/es/inicio/plataformas-interdisciplinares-de-investigacion/deusto-gender/the-university-of-deusto)
Moreover, to seek real inclusion for people with specific support needs, the 6i Dirs project ensures equal rights and opportunities with respect to access to the programme and the acquisition of the skills expected to achieve the PhD and enhance their career development and future employability. All vacancies on the Euraxess EU portal bear the Science4refugee logo to encourage refugees to apply for them. Furthermore, DEUSTO is a partner of the Scholars At Risk Network (SAR), which offers safety to scholars facing grave threats.