3D-CIRCULAR – Digital Deep tech Driven Circular Economy

The 3D-CIRCULAR (Digital Deep Tech Driven Circular Economy) project aims to establish a new generation educational and certification ecosystem to support the development of expert competences in the field of the digital circular economy (CE). The initiative responds to critical challenges such as the skills gap in digitalisation and CE, the misalignment of education systems with labour market and green transition needs, and the lack of an integrated European education and certification framework.

The project will design innovative master’s and doctoral programmes, as well as flexible training modules, enabling students and professionals to acquire interdisciplinary skills in advanced digital technologies and their application to the circular economy. The curricula will cover areas such as digital product passports, EU regulatory compliance, and the use of deep tech, including artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, life cycle analysis (LCA), business models, energy transition and digital health.

3D-CIRCULAR will be implemented by a consortium of 33 partners from 14 countries, coordinated by the University of the Aegean (Greece), with the Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas (IETU) as the sole Polish partner. Over 48 months, the project will deliver seven work packages, covering project management, skills gap analysis, creation of a digital learning environment, implementation of educational programmes for multiple student cohorts, establishment of the 3D-CIRCULAR Council, and dissemination and communication activities.

Expected results include the development and roll-out of innovative education programmes, establishment of digital campuses and laboratories, creation of a certification framework, and the strengthening of long-term partnerships between academia, research and industry. The project has received the European Commission’s STEP Sovereignty Seal, highlighting its strategic importance for Europe’s innovation and competitiveness.

In the long term, 3D-CIRCULAR will reinforce skills for the digital and green transitions, foster new professional profiles, and help secure Europe’s leadership in building a sustainable future economy.

Project implementation period: 2025-2028

Agreement number ID: 101226256

Project coordinatior in IETU: Izabela Ratman-Kłosińska, e-mail:

Funding source:

HORYZONT EUROPA
Horizon-CL6-2024-CicBio-01-03