Circular economy: Think Outside the Box

19 December, 2024

Panel discussion and keynote speech on the future of the circular economy at University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien.

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Circular economy: Think Outside the Box

As part of the course “Current Topics in Renewable Energy Supply”, a special event took place at UAS Technikum Wien on November 29, 2024. Under the title “Circular Economy: Think Outside the Box”, a broad specialist audience was invited to discuss innovative approaches and technologies that can make our economy more circular and sustainable. The event was a complete success, marked by lively discussion and valuable ideas.

Keynote speech: circular economy in focus

After the welcoming address by Momir Tabakovic (Climate-Fit Buildings and Districts and Renewable Energy Technologies fields of expertise), David Fellner (Head of the Bachelor’s in Renewable Energies and Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering programs) introduced the event’s topic. The keynote speech was given by Roman Stiftner, managing director of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber’s Mining-Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals Associations. Stiftner provided exciting insights into the challenges and opportunities of a circular economy and laid the foundation for the subsequent discussion.

Experts discuss the future

The panel discussion, moderated by Wolfram Groschopf (WU Vienna), brought together leading experts:

Constance Weiser (RENOWAVE.AT) talked about the role of construction projects and cooperatives.
Michael Heiss (Siemens) focused on digital ecosystems such as the digital product passport.
Josef-Peter Schöggl (Modul University Vienna) highlighted technological innovations in recycling.
Roman Stiftner (Austrian Federal Economic Chamber) introduced economic perspectives.
Hubert Fechner (IEA PVPS) presented advances in photovoltaics.
Klaus Fellner (ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH) discussed resource efficiency in industry.

The discussion showed that circular economy is not only driven by technological innovations, but also by new business models such as sharing concepts or decentralized energy systems. The importance of cooperation and social acceptance was emphasized.

A strong team from UAS Technikum Wien

The organization and support of this event was carried by a dedicated team from the Faculty of Industrial Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, including Momir Tabakovic, David Fellner, Sabine Zangl, Natalie Taupe, Jens Leibold and Horst Orsolits (Head of the Industrial Product Life Cycle Technologies Competence Field). They contributed significantly to making the event an inspiring experience for students and professionals.

Questions from the audience and a positive outlook

After an intensive discussion, the participants had the opportunity to ask questions of the experts. The lively participation underlined the great interest in the topic of circular economy. Finally, Wolfram Groschopf thanked the team from the UAS Technikum Wien for the successful implementation.