Why Spain needs to bring the circular bioeconomy into vocational training and higher education, and what we can learn from other European countries.
The circular bioeconomy is a sustainable economic model that combines the efficient use of biological resources with the principles of the circular economy. It supports ecosystem regeneration and waste reduction, two key factors in tackling today’s environmental challenges.
For this model to take hold, education systems — especially vocational training and universities — need to build its concepts and practical applications into their curricula.
Education geared to the circular bioeconomy
The transition requires professionals who understand and apply these principles across very different sectors. Including them in technical and higher education prepares future professionals to develop innovative, sustainable solutions and improves their employability in a market that increasingly values green skills.
Benchmarks in the European Union
- Italy: Rome Business School offers a master’s degree in Sustainability and Circular Bioeconomy aimed at turning traditional businesses into circular models.
- Erasmus+ “Circular Bricks”: a European initiative to renew bioeconomy education, especially in vocational training, and equip the next generation with the skills it needs.
Initiatives in Spain
Although Spain is at an early stage, there are notable examples:
- University of Salamanca: the Rheonet project reuses discarded fishing nets in road construction, an example of the circular economy applied to infrastructure.
- Eco-design: universities such as the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Navarra have added eco-design to their programmes to create products and services with a lower environmental impact.
Benefits of integration
- Specialised skills to address environmental challenges with an innovative outlook.
- A boost to innovation in new sustainable technologies and processes.
- A contribution to sustainable development in sectors ranging from agriculture to industry.
Conclusion
Bringing the circular bioeconomy into vocational training and university is essential to train the professionals who will lead the transition to a more sustainable economic model. Learning from European success stories and adapting them to the Spanish context will help build an economy that benefits both the environment and society.