"Innovation Opportunities for Establishing a Circular Economy" themed TIP CLUB event featured presentations on key factors in building a sustainable future and the role of innovation. The event, which was closely related to the event series coordinated by the CIRCLETECH project led by the University of Miskolc, saw experts share their thoughts and experiences on recycling, waste processing, eco-friendly production, and energy transition, envisioning the foundations of a circular economy. The significance of the event was heightened by the presence of researchers and innovation experts from the project's Finnish partner university, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT).
Firstly, Dr. Imre Gombkötő, the project manager of CIRCLETECH, outlined the innovation opportunities for establishing a circular economy, emphasizing the importance of the region's innovation capacity and commitment to sustainability. The presentation highlighted the goals of the CIRCLETECH project and the importance of regional cooperation in building a sustainable future.
Next, Dr. Karthikeyan Natarajan, a funding advisor for research services at LUT University, shared his experiences in establishing university-industry collaborations to support the circular economy. In his presentation, he detailed how innovation and collaboration can promote sustainability and environmental protection.
The practices of industry-university collaboration were presented by Zsolt István, head of the Research, Development, and Innovation Management Department at the University of Miskolc! Zsolt István introduced the Center for Advanced Materials and Intelligent Technologies in Higher Education and Industrial Collaboration (FIEK), established in December 2017. The presentation showcased the department's role in coordinating corporate innovation assignments at the university, promoting research and development results, developing external partner relationships, protecting industrial property, and aligning knowledge mapping and business utilization.
Árpád Helmeczi presented the environmentally conscious product design process at HAJDU Zrt., aimed at designing products with long lifespans, easy repairability, and recyclability. The company is committed to sustainable design and manufacturing, thereby promoting the establishment of a circular economy.
Fanni Mészáros, representing APPLiA Hungary Association, spoke on the topic of "Repair it Right or Right to Repair?" The presentation emphasized the importance of product repairability and the industry's responsibility towards a sustainable future.
Péter Györkös, representing MOHU MOL Waste Management Zrt., detailed plans for transforming the waste management system in Hungary to establish a circular economy. The presentation highlighted the waste hierarchy and planned steps to promote waste reduction and recycling.
The topics discussed during the presentations provided a comprehensive overview of how innovation and industrial development can be combined to promote the establishment of a sustainable circular economy, fostering closer collaboration among the research sphere, innovation professionals, and industrial players for a more sustainable future.
