3D-CIRCULAR

A Europe-wide initiative creating advanced deep-tech and circular-economy programmes to upskill future experts and support the EU’s green and digital transition.
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The 3D-CIRCULAR project has been co-funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL-2024-ADVANCED-DIGITAL-07-KEYCAPACITY). The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement No. 101226256
The 3D-CIRCULAR project has been awarded the STEP (Sovereignty) Seal, a quality label granted by the European Commission to support access to funding opportunities under other Union programmes covered by STEP.

Participants

32 members

Start Year

2025

Scope

Pan-European

Funding Framework

Digital Europe Programme

Budget

19 958 218.80 €

Duration

48 months

About 3D - CIRCULAR

3D-CIRCULAR, “Digital Deep-tech Driven Circular Economy”, is a European initiative designed to support the green and digital transition through advanced education and training. The project develops Master-level programmes, Doctoral pathways and Certification schemes that equip learners and professionals with the Digital and Circular Economy competencies required for emerging industrial and regulatory demands. By fostering expertise in areas such as agriculture, transport, renewable energy and waste management, 3D-CIRCULAR contributes to a more innovative, resilient and sustainable European economy.

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3D -CIRCULAR
Key Objectives 

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1. Advanced Skills

Develop Master-level, Doctoral and standalone modules providing the practical and theoretical skills needed to use advanced digital technologies for circular economy applications.

2. Market Gaps

Identify current and emerging digital and circular economy skill shortages, market demands and standardisation trends to guide the development of relevant curricula.

3. Interdisciplinary Curricula

Create interdisciplinary curricula and syllabi that bridge knowledge across sectors and support Europe’s green and digital transition.

4. Digital Competences

Expand the GreenComp framework to include deep-tech digital competences that strengthen learners’ ability to apply advanced technologies in circular economy contexts.

5. Collaborative Design

Engage universities, research bodies and industry partners to jointly design curricula, master’s and doctoral programmes and certification processes.

6. Flexible Training

Produce flexible syllabi, learning components and interdisciplinary doctoral training that enable high-quality blended education and prepare future experts and leaders.

3D - CIRCULAR Project Focus

Advance Europes Digital & Circular Skills

Europe faces major digital and circular economy skill shortages. The project equips learners with the competences needed to meet emerging industrial, societal and environmental challenges.

Strengthen the Green & Digital Transition

3D-CIRCULAR supports the EU Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan and Digital Decade goals by preparing a workforce able to deploy deep-tech solutions that reduce emissions, optimise resources and accelerate sustainability.

Modernise Higher Education

By creating Masters, Doctoral and Certification programmes in digital deep-tech and circular economy, the project brings European higher education closer to real-world needs and future-oriented markets.

Boost European Competitiveness

A skilled digital workforce strengthens innovation, improves decision-making and makes EU industries more resilient and future-ready, supporting Europe’s ambition to lead globally in sustainability and digital transformation.

Promote Inclusiveness and Equal Opportunities

The project actively targets women, marginalised groups and regions with lower digital readiness, ensuring that advanced skills and career opportunities are accessible to all.

Create a Strong Multisector Collaboration Network

Universities, research bodies, standardisation organisations and industry partners co-design curricula and programmes, building a coordinated European ecosystem for digital-circular innovation.

Support Lifelong Learning & Workforce Upskilling

3D-CIRCULAR delivers flexible short courses, certifications and blended learning formats that help workers continually update their skills and stay competitive in rapidly evolving digital and circular economy sectors.

Enable Sustainable Innovation Across Sectors

By training professionals to apply deep technologies in areas such as energy, transport, agriculture and waste management, the project accelerates sustainable innovation and drives Europe toward climate neutrality by 2050.

Role of EPBS in 3D - CIRCULAR

Curriculum Innovation

EPBS designs master and doctoral curricula that blend deep-tech skills with circular economy needs, making learning engaging and future-ready.

Skills & Market Insights

We identify digital and circular skill gaps, analyse industry needs and ensure that all learning programmes match real market demand.

Interdisciplinary Development

EPBS builds cross-sector learning pathways and strengthens the GreenComp framework by embedding advanced digital competences.

Collaborative Learning Design

We work with universities and industry partners to co-create flexible training models, blended learning components and certification processes.

Project Partners