PUŠ v delovno okolje 2025/2026

The Circular Economy as a Business Opportunity for Young Entrepreneurs

Project Title: Problem-Based Learning of Students as a Bridge between Study and the Working Environment at the University of Novo Mesto
Call: Public Call for Problem-Based Learning of Students in the Working Environment: Economy, Non-Economy, and the Non-Profit Sector in the Local/Regional Environment 2024–2027 (PUŠ in the Working Environment 2024–2027), 2nd call opening

Duration: Academic year 2025/2026

Project Value: EUR 24,000.00
Funding Information: The project is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).

Academic Mentor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Malči Grivec
Contact Person: Assist. Prof. Dr. Malči Grivec, malci.grivec@uni-nm.si, 07 393 00 30

Project Description:

The project "The Circular Economy as a Business Opportunity for Young Entrepreneurs" is based on the recognition that natural resources are limited, making sustainable resource management essential for long-term development. The circular economy is emerging as one of the key approaches to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as it replaces the traditional linear "take–make–dispose" model with one that enables materials to circulate for as long as possible, reduces waste and environmental pressures, and simultaneously creates new economic opportunities.

Within the project, students and young entrepreneurs will explore how the principles of circularity (3R–9R, "cradle to cradle," and strategies of closing, slowing, and narrowing loops) can be translated into viable business models such as "product-as-a-service," the sharing economy, return and repair schemes, product refurbishment, and product life extension. Particular emphasis will be placed on the fact that the circular economy is not merely an environmental concept but a concrete business opportunity that enables companies to gain competitive advantages within the green transition and to align with European and national policies (e.g. the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and related legislation).

At the core of the project is research into consumer and business behaviour. Students will analyze the extent to which consumers consider sustainability attributes when making purchasing decisions (durability, repairability, recycled content, return schemes), their willingness to engage in circular models (renting, repairs, returns), and their willingness to pay a higher price for more environmentally friendly products. In parallel, an analysis of circular economy practices among start-ups and SMEs in Slovenia will be conducted in order to identify key barriers, incentives, and conditions for the transition from linear to circular business models.

In addition to the research component, the project will produce practical, directly applicable tools for young entrepreneurs, such as spreadsheets for calculating environmental footprints (LCA-lite), sample rules for returns and repairs, and an example of a "product-as-a-service" business model. The research results will be synthesized in a brochure intended for young entrepreneurs, students, and the general public, thereby helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The project is carried out in cooperation with the working partner Agencija SIV, d.o.o., with particular emphasis on two-way knowledge transfer. The academic mentor will present selected content related to financial reporting, transparency, and ethical decision-making in entrepreneurship to the partner, while the partner will provide students with practical experience and good practices in the development of sustainable business models, social innovation, tourism, and the circular economy, as well as their importance for the competitiveness of start-ups and SMEs.

The project results will be presented in the form of a brochure, a round table discussion, and publications on the websites and social media channels of the participating institutions, as well as at professional events and conferences. The project will thus contribute to broader awareness of the circular economy, the strengthening of competencies among young entrepreneurs, and the promotion of sustainability-oriented business practices aligned with the green transition objectives in Slovenia and the European Union.