1. 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy : book of abstracts2024 Abstract: The 7th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE) was organized by the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor in collaboration with the Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership - Networks for the Transition into Circular Economy (SRIP- Circular Economy), managed by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska. The conference was held in Portorož, Slovenia, at the Grand Hotel Bernardin from September 4th to September 6th, 2024. EIT RawMaterials RIS Hub Adria, SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency and Pomurje Technology Park (as part of the GREENE 4.0 and CI-Hub projects) have joined us as co-organizers. TBMCE 2024 was devoted to presentations of circular economy concepts, technologies and methodologies that contribute to the shift of business entities and society as a whole to a more responsible, circular management of resources. The conference program included panel discussions, plenary and keynote sessions, oral and poster presentations on the following topics: Sustainable Energy, Biomass and Alternative Raw Materials, Circular Business Models, Secondary Raw Materials and Functional Materials, ICT in Circular Economy, Processes and Technologies. Panel discussions addressed following topics: Circular Economy Transition in South East Europe, The transition to carbon neutrality in energy intensive industry, Valorization of used and contaminated wood, Circular economy trends in construction, Critical raw materials and circular economy transition, Industrial Symbiosis and its opportunities for industry, AI and circular economy. The event was under the patronage of Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport and Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development.
Keywords: circular economy, sustainable development, processes and technologies, circular business models, research and development
Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 75; Downloads: 4
 Full text (3,27 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
2. Students’ values, professional socialization and the mental gap of corporate social responsibility perceptionsNikša Alfirević, Vojko Potočan, Zlatko Nedelko, 2021, original scientific article Abstract: This paper examines how values and professional socialization in business schools impact the formulation of students’ contextualized view of social responsibility. We propose the empirical concept of a mental gap between the existing and the wished-for level of a business school’s corporate social responsibility and estimate it empirically by using a sample of business school students from Central and South East Europe. Results show that students wish their business schools to reduce their current orientation toward economic outcomes and focus on environmental and social responsibilities. We interpret those empirical results in terms of the students’ wish to balance achieving economic prosperity and enjoyment of life with the prosocial outcomes of their education. New student generations’ perception of corporate social responsibility is not shaped by the professional socialization patterns but rather by the own perceptions, which can be influenced by experiential approaches to academic teaching and learning. Based on these empirical results, implications for academic practice and future research are explored.
Keywords: students, education, social responsibility, economy, culture, human learning, psychological attitudes
Published in DKUM: 06.08.2024; Views: 76; Downloads: 4
Full text (676,12 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
3. A conceptual model for measuring a circular economy of seaports: a case study on Antwerp and Koper portsRebeka Kovačič Lukman, Kristijan Brglez, Damjan Krajnc, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: This paper introduces a conceptual model for evaluating seaports’ acceleration towards the circular economy. The model is based on the identification and definition of circular economy indicators, weighted according to the 9 R-strategy transitions towards the circular economy. We have employed the analytical hierarchy process for weight detection and further calculations of the final seaport circularity value. Our results suggest conceptual validity and provide a detailed insight into the circular activities of the seaports from the indicators, as well as 9 Rs and sustainability perspectives.
Keywords: circular economy, ports, methodology, circular economy indicators, Koper, Antwerp
Published in DKUM: 19.06.2024; Views: 158; Downloads: 6
Full text (1,37 MB) |
4. Toward an economy of wellbeing : the economic impact of the Welsh healthcare sectorTimotej Jagrič, Christine Elisabeth Brown, Dušan Fister, Oliver Darlington, Kathryn Ashton, Mariana Dyakova, Mark Bellis, Vita Jagrič, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Population health and wellbeing is both a result, as well as a driver, of economic development and prosperity on global, European, national and sub-national (local) levels. Wales, one of the four United Kingdom (UK) nations, has shown a long-term commitment to sustainable development and achieving prosperity for all, providing a good example of both national and sub-national level, which can be useful for other European countries and regions. In this paper, the economic importance of the healthcare sector to the Welsh economy is explored. We use a large number of data sources for the UK and Welsh economy to derive an economic model for 2017. We estimate output, income, employment, value-added, and import multipliers of the healthcare sector. Results suggest that the healthcare sector has an above average contribution in four explored economic aspects of the Welsh economy (output, income, employment, value-added), according to its impact on the surrounding economic ecosystem. Also, it is below average regarding leaking through imports. The multipliers' values offer empirical evidence when deciding on alternative policy actions. Such actions can be used as a stimulus for encouraging regional development and post-COVID economic recovery. Our study refers to the Welsh healthcare sector's economic impact as a whole. Therefore, we suggest investigating the economic impact of individual healthcare providers in the future.
Keywords: input-output analysis, healthcare sector, Wales, impact analysis, economy of wellbeing
Published in DKUM: 17.06.2024; Views: 162; Downloads: 12
Full text (544,71 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
5. The reusage of water and steam utilities by using the integrated fork technique and the complete circular economyAnita Kovač Kralj, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: The reusage of water and steam utilities plays a key role in the mitigation of decarbonising and climate change, including reduced fossil-fuel energy consumption and reducing the dependence on natural gas. The water condensates can be used for utility and heat-recovery systems by an integrated fork technique, achieving economic benefits and a complete circular economy, presented in two steps. The main novelty of this fork technique includes the determination of a regulated heat flow rate for the integration between the dryer and evaporator, which enables an evaporation of the same water mass flow as by the existing evaporating system, which is performed in the first step. The main significance of this technique presents the manner of a fork system as a superstructure for waste condensates’ collection separately and combinedly, and sustainable reusage's alternatives of the condensates, such as steam or electricity cogeneration, presented in the second step. This technique is carried out in two steps, including real-simulated results using an Aspen Plus® simulator. This approach is illustrated using an existing sugar production, which is selected as the waste mass and energy reusage from the evaporator and dryer for low-pressure steam production, generating a possible increase profit of 1.9 MEUR/a. The saving of the heat flow rate after the integrated dryer with evaporator should be 15,816 kW, or 73 %, presenting as a percentage.
Keywords: steam utility, water condensate, fork technique, circular economy, integrated units, food industry
Published in DKUM: 10.05.2024; Views: 211; Downloads: 10
Full text (479,20 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
6. |
7. Review of bioplastics characterisation by terahertz techniques in the view of ensuring a circular economyAndreja Abina, Tjaša Korošec, Uroš Puc, Aleksander Zidanšek, 2023, review article Abstract: The increasing scarcity of natural resources, worsening global climate change, environmental degradation, and rising demand for food are forcing the biotechnology and plastics industries to seek and apply circular economy models that would lead to a sustainable transition in the production and use of bioplastics. Circular economy models can improve the economic productivity of bio-based plastics and have a positive impact on the environment by reducing conventional plastic waste and the consumption of petrochemical feedstocks for plastic production. In addition, some agricultural wastes that have the potential to be used as bioplastics can be reused. Terahertz (THz) systems are already used in the plastics and rubber industries for non-destructive testing, detection, imaging, and quality control. Several reports have highlighted the potential applications of THz spectroscopy and imaging in polymer analysis and plastics characterisation. This potential is even greater with chemometric methods and artificial intelligence algorithms. In this review, we focus on applications that support the transformation of the biotechnology sector to the circular economy, particularly via the transition from conventional plastics to bioplastics. In this review, we discuss the potential of THz systems for the characterisation and analysis of bioplastics and biopolymers. The results of previous studies on biopolymers in the THz frequency range are summarised. Furthermore, the potential of using artificial intelligence approaches such as machine learning as advanced analytical methods in THz spectroscopy and imaging, in addition to the conventionally used chemometric methods, is discussed. The results of this review highlight that THz technology can contribute to closed technological circles in important areas of biotechnology and the related plastics and rubber industries.
Keywords: terahertz spectroscopy, terahertz imaging, circular economy, biopolymer, biotechnology, bioplastics
Published in DKUM: 16.04.2024; Views: 338; Downloads: 180
Full text (5,14 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
8. The complexity and interconnectedness of circular cities and the circular economy for sustainabilityKristijan Brglez, Matjaž Perc, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: In our study, we are evaluating the dynamic interplay between circular cities and the circular economy, revealing connections shaped by new research insights, using Web of Science database. We have in depth analysed 671 publications from 1990 to mid- 2023, employing Leximancer and VOSviewer tools. Our analysis uncovered key themes, including buildings, waste management, value chains, and sustainable development, linking the circular cities concept and circular economy framework. Emerging research trends, such as urban metabolism, urban mining, governance models, the built environment, sustainability benchmarks, and value chain management, signify deliberate shifts towards higher circular development and implementation. These trajectories harmonise with overarching sustainable development goals. Contemporary research emphasises urban mining, circular indicators, adaptive resource reuse, and urban structure regeneration. This focus facilitates transitioning from linear models to heightened circularity within urban contexts. Research inclination is shifting from traditional economic and environmental concerns towards holistic urban configurations that prioritise social integration, communal well-being, and the dynamics of the social economy. Through this analytical expedition, we offer novel insights that enhance our understanding of the intricate symbiosis between circular cities and the circular economy. Our findings provide a scientific foundation for formulating targeted strategies by decision-makers and guiding urban landscapes towards transformative trajectories aligned with sustainable development objectives and sustainable cities.
Keywords: bibliometric analysis, circular city, circular economy, content analysis, Leximancer, sustainability, sustainable development goals
Published in DKUM: 29.03.2024; Views: 242; Downloads: 17
Full text (3,76 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
9. 43rd International Conference on Organizational Science Development: Green and Digital Transition – Challenge or Opportunity : Conference Proceedings2024, proceedings of peer-reviewed scientific conference contributions (international and foreign conferences) Abstract: The 43rd International Scientific Conference on the Development of Organisational Science was held in Portorož from the 20th to the 22nd of March 2024. The main aim of the conference was to promote the importance of knowledge in the context of green and digital transtition of organizations, through academic and scientific debates and professional developments from the economic and non-economic worlds. The conference, which was held under the umbrella title " Green and Digital Transition - Challenge or Opportunity", aimed to highlight the importance of the green and digital transition for the successful achievement of organisational objectives and the appropriate overcoming of societal challenges. The objectives pursued in this context are related to the natural dimensions on the one hand, and to stimulating the economy through green technology, sustainable development and pollution reduction on the other. The green and digital transition is also an opportunity for organisations to make changes towards overarching environmental challenges. It is undoubtedly more important than ever to take decisions that generate synergies between innovation, different sciences, and applied approaches, and to promote changes in business models that will lead to a sustainable and socially responsible development environment. In Portorož, we have reconnected opinions, views, and scientific and professional debates that will stimulate all of us to act in the future, both in organizations and in society at large.
Keywords: organization, knowledge, interdisciplinarity, science, economy
Published in DKUM: 22.03.2024; Views: 434; Downloads: 74
Full text (21,17 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
10. Drivers and barriers for the adoption of circular economy principles towards efficient resource utilisationVesna Alivojvodić, Filip Kokalj, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Contemporary societies, whether they have reached advanced levels of economic and social development or are still developing, need to prioritise the implementation of circular economy practices. This will facilitate the shift towards regenerative, sustainable, and closed-loop industrial systems. For now, there are some efforts to encourage patterns of production and consumption through changes in economic trends, development of institutional frameworks, harmonising regulations in the field of environmental protection, and raising the level of social awareness to achieve, above all, greater efficiency of resources. Extensive literature that deals with monitoring the implementation of the circular economy already indicates the existence of numerous barriers in this process but also notices some incentives for raising the degree of circularity of the observed systems. In this paper, the question of whether a single value can represent the level of circularity of the chosen material/product chain is researched. An overview of barriers and drivers for implementing circular economy strategies is given to structure a proper metric framework in correlation to the research question. The objective was to simplify the monitoring of circularity by developing a unique index for comparing material/product chains in similar systems. This was accomplished by using the circular material use (CMU) rate introduced in the European Union and modifying it for financial data calculation. As a result, the circular economy index, which covers all 9R strategies (CEIR), is obtained. The practical verification of model applicability was shown by determining the degree of circularity achieved for passenger cars in the four observed EU countries.
Keywords: barriers, 9R framework, circular material use rate, circular economy index, passenger cars
Published in DKUM: 19.03.2024; Views: 279; Downloads: 13
Full text (671,51 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
