Sep 18

3D-CIRCULAR: Empowering Europe’s Green & Digital Twin Transition

What is 3D-CIRCULAR?

3D-CIRCULAR stands for Digital Deep-tech Driven Circular Economy. It’s an EU-funded initiative (Digital-2024-ADVANCED-DIGITAL-07) that launched on 1 August 2025, and will run until 31 July 2029.

The project is aimed at closing the skills gap that threatens to hold back Europe’s twin transition: the push toward green sustainability and deep digital innovation. It does this through educational programmes, certifications, and collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions across Europe.

Key Objectives

Reskill and Upskill: Equip both young graduates (master’s and doctoral levels) and experienced professionals with the interdisciplinary knowledge needed for deep-tech and circular economy fields.
Design Next-Gen Educational Ecosystem: Develop new curricula, certification pathways, and self-contained learning modules that combine advanced digital technologies (deep tech) with sustainable principles.
Strengthen Collaboration: Involve a large consortium of partners (universities, research centres, SMEs, and industry) from many European countries, enhancing cross-disciplinary and cross-border cooperation.

Consortium & Partners

3D-CIRCULAR brings together 32 organisations from 14 European countries, including:

Universities & Research Centers
Industry leaders & SMEs
Innovation-driven institutions and projects

One of the coordinating institutions is the University of the Aegean. Fakulteta za logistiko Others include DTU (Denmark), Politecnico di Milano, Wageningen University & Research, University of Oslo, Technical University of Dortmund, among many more.

What It Will Do

Launch new Master’s & Doctorate programmes that integrate deep tech (e.g. advanced computation, AI, digital tools, etc.) with circular economy principles.
Offer certification pathways and “self-standing” (standalone) learning components—courses and modules that may not be part of a full degree but still impart key skills.
Build mechanisms (boards, alliances) for ongoing engagement among industry, research & policy, to ensure curriculum relevance, and alignment with EU strategies.

Why It Matters

Addressing a critical skills shortage: As Europe transitions toward more sustainable, circular, and digitally intensive industries, many current workers and new graduates lack the combined deep-tech + sustainability skills. 3D-CIRCULAR seeks to fill that gap.
Supporting EU policy goals: The EU has committed to green deal, circular economy, digital transformation. Having a workforce that understands both sustainability and deep tech is essential to implementing those policies in practice.
Cross-sector innovation: By bringing together academia, industry, research, the project can help accelerate innovation, not just in theory but in actual deployment, through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Timeline & Funding

Duration: 4 years (Aug 2025 – Jul 2029)
Funding: Backed by the European Commission, specifically through its Health & Digital Executive Agency. The exact amount is not clearly stated in the sources I found, but the funding supports curriculum development, certifications, partnerships etc.

Challenges & Considerations

Curriculum design complexity: Merging deep-tech modules with sustainability and circular economy themes requires interdisciplinary alignment; instructors must have competence across multiple domains.
Keeping pace with fast-moving tech: Deep tech (AI, data science, advanced manufacturing etc.) evolves fast—so curriculum risk becoming outdated unless there are mechanisms for constant update.
Certification acceptance: To be meaningful, certifications must be recognized by industries; this means strong involvement of industry partners and possibly regulatory alignment.
Engagement of professionals: Reskilling/upskilling adult workforce can be difficult due to time, costs, and competing commitments. Need flexible modes (e⁠learning, part-time etc.).
Measuring impact: The project will need good metrics to track success (number of certified people, uptake in industry, etc.), as well as ensure equity (geographical, sectoral).

Outlook

If successful, 3D-CIRCULAR could become a model for how the EU (and possibly other regions) delivers education for the green/digital transition: producing graduates and professionals who are not just technically skilled, but able to think in sustainable, circular systems. It can help accelerate innovations, reduce environmental footprints, and enable industries to adapt in a rapidly changing world.

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Giorgos Demetriou is a senior executive with over two decades of experience in European defence, security policy, research, and innovation. He has held leadership roles at the European Defence Agency, ENISA, and the European Parliament, where he co-led the EU’s Strategic Research Agenda and drove key initiatives on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies. As Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at École des Ponts Business School, he leads the school’s research strategy, oversees major EU-funded projects, and fosters international and industry partnerships. Giorgos holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, and an Executive Master’s in International Politics. He has managed over €40 million in EU research funding, published widely, and supports Cyprus’s preparation for the 2026 EU Presidency.

Antri Constantinou is a senior research and project manager with over 13 years of international experience in sustainability, circular economy, and green innovation. She has held key roles at PwC Cyprus, the Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation, and in the UK at the London Waste and Recycling Board (Advance London) and the London Fire Brigade, where she led major initiatives on sustainability strategies, circular business models, and green transition pathways. As Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert at EPBS, she drives the development of competitive EU research proposals, oversees the implementation of funded projects, and contributes to research-informed teaching in sustainability, digitalisation, and entrepreneurship. Antri holds an MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technologies from the University of York and has co-authored several scientific publications in sustainability, circularity, and green innovation.

Hernan Ruiz Ocampo is a senior researcher and project manager with expertise in circular economy, sustainable water management, and EU-funded project implementation. He has coordinated large-scale European projects focused on business modelling, curricula design, course development, dissemination, and research exploitation. Hernan holds a PhD in Process and Bioprocess Engineering, two MSc degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering and in City and Urban Environments, and an MBA in Innovation Management. He is also pursuing an Executive DBA. He has authored peer-reviewed publications on water treatment, big data applications, and the circular economy, and regularly presents at international conferences. At EPBS, Hernan serves as a Principal Research Development and Implementation Expert, where he coordinates EU-funded projects, leads research proposals, and develops applied research outputs connecting sustainability, innovation, circular economy, and digital transformation.

Vlatka Katusic is a senior researcher, project manager, and Climate Pact Ambassador with expertise in environmental law, circular economy, sustainability, communication, and EU-funded project implementation. She has led dissemination, exploitation, and research activities at École des Ponts Business School. Vlatka holds an MSc in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, an MBA in Innovation Management, and is currently pursuing an Executive DBA at EPBS. She has co-authored scientific publications on circular economy, big data applications, and sustainable business models, and frequently presents at international conferences. At EPBS, Vlatka serves as a Senior Research Development and Implementation Expert, responsible for coordinating EU-funded projects, contributing to competitive research proposals, and integrating circular economy insights into teaching, dissemination, and applied research outputs.

Panagiota Savva is a digital learning and quality assurance specialist with extensive experience in managing educational platforms, course validation, and digital operations. She previously served as Digital Operations & Quality Assurance Manager at the Circular Economy Alliance, where she oversaw digital platforms and quality processes, and as a Quality Assurance Officer at Unicaf, focusing on academic standards, learner support, and institutional compliance. Panagiota holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism and a Bachelor’s degree in Byzantine and Modern Greek Language and Literature. At EPBS, Panagiota serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert, specialising in digital education infrastructure, platform management, and quality assurance. She designs and implements micro-credential curricula, develops online and hybrid courses, and ensures compliance with data protection and quality assurance standards across EPBS’s research and educational activities.

Sofia Hamika is a digital operations and communications professional with expertise in platform management, quality assurance, and digital content production. She has worked with the Circular Economy Alliance, overseeing digital platforms, online learning systems, and communication campaigns, and has gained experience in the business development sector. Sofia holds a BA (Hons) in Media, Culture and Production from Southampton Solent University. At EPBS, Sofia serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert. She supports the design and rollout of research-based micro-credentials and online learning tools, ensures GDPR and quality compliance, and contributes to enhancing the visibility and dissemination of EPBS’s research outputs.

Chrysostomos Dimitriou is an IT and digital learning specialist with expertise in information systems, business development, and research support. He has held positions at the University of Nicosia, providing IT support for enterprise digital platforms, and at the Circular Economy Alliance as a Business Developer and Information Systems Officer, contributing to EU-funded project administration, digital infrastructure, and dissemination activities. He holds advanced certifications in circular economy practices and is completing a BSc in Management Information Systems. At EPBS, Chrysostomos serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert. He supports the integration and maintenance of learning platforms, contributes to the development of micro-credential curricula, ensures GDPR-compliant digital processes, and assists in the dissemination and commercialisation of research outputs.

Panayiota Karanicola is a chemical engineer and researcher specialising in food-waste valorisation, bioprocess development, and sustainable resource management. She holds an MEng in Chemical Engineering and is completing her PhD on waste-based biorefineries for the production of high-value bioproducts. At EPBS, Panayiota serves as a Research Development and Implementation Expert, contributing to the implementation of EU-funded projects and the development of research outputs in the fields of sustainability and circular economy.

Sofia is a clinician and endocrinologist with international clinical and research experience across Belgium, France, the UK, Greece, and Cyprus. She works at the intersection of medicine, digital health, and social innovation, focusing on how emerging technologies—including Virtual Human Twins, AI, and Smart Health solutions—can enhance patient care and advance inclusion for people with disabilities. She serves as Assistant Professor in Smart Health and Social Innovation and Coordinator of the Smart Health and Social Innovation Lab, where her research centres on data-driven circular economies, the Internet of Medical Things, and digital transformation in healthcare.

Chantel Charde Haskins is the Office Governance & Operations Officer at EPBS Research, where she provides executive, operational, and governance support to the Associate Dean of Research and Innovation. She plays a key role in coordinating office operations, internal processes, and strategic initiatives that support the school’s research activities. With over nine years of experience in office management, operations, compliance, and executive support, Chantel has worked in investment and corporate environments supporting senior leadership. Her background includes managing complex workflows, handling confidential HR, legal, and financial documentation, and contributing to operational governance. She has experience in onboarding and contract coordination, process optimisation, stakeholder liaison, and reporting. Chantel is known for her structured, detail-oriented approach and strong organisational skills, enabling her to align daily operations with strategic and institutional objectives in complex, cross-functional environments.

Elena Altani is a digital learning professional with strong experience in international, multicultural environments, specializing in digital education. At EPBS, she serves as a Research and Digital Learning Implementation Expert, focusing on Learning Management Systems, online course development, and the delivery of high-quality digital learning experiences. She coordinates interactions between educators, learners, and stakeholders, ensures the smooth execution of online programs, and develops and manages courses on digital platforms. Alongside her role, Elena is an experienced online language instructor, designing structured learning materials and supporting diverse global audiences. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Economy from the University of Essex and a Bachelor’s degree in International and European Studies from the University of Piraeus. With strong multilingual communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in digital collaboration tools, Elena excels in environments that demand organization, reliability, and clear communication, combining academic insight with hands-on expertise.

3D-CIRCULAR: Empowering Europe’s Green & Digital Twin Transition

What is 3D-CIRCULAR?

Key Objectives

Consortium & Partners

What It Will Do

Why It Matters

Timeline & Funding

Challenges & Considerations

Outlook

Company

Legal

Social

Get exclusive news

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