Gamification, Digitalization and Practical Tools for Developing Circular Economy Skills

<< Background >>We applied for this project because we recognized the urgent need for action in response to climate change and environmental degradation. These issues not only harm ecosystems and biodiversity but also have significant economic and social impacts. In Europe, the pressure to address climate change is growing, and the European Green Deal represents a bold effort to transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy. However, such a transformation is not only about reducing emissions or adopting new technologies. It also requires a shift in how we thought about economic models and the role of individuals in shaping a sustainable future. And our ambition was to contribute to positive change. The motivation behind the project was to equip young people—especially those with fewer opportunities—with the skills they needed to succeed in a green economy. Youth unemployment, particularly among those with lower skill levels, remain a significant challenge across Europe. Many young people are disconnected from the job market, and even more so in the green sectors, which are rapidly expanding as part of the green transition. The project was designed to bridge these gaps.<< Objectives >>The main goal of the project was to provide young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities, with essential circular economy skills that would improve their employability and foster active participation in the green transition. We aimed to make learning about sustainability accessible, engaging, and impactful through digital tools, gamification, and hands-on experiences.Our objectives focused on promoting entrepreneurship, particularly social entrepreneurship, among youth with green skills. We hoped to inspire young people to create sustainable business models and contribute to their communities. By equipping them with circular economy knowledge, we aimed to enhance their ability to drive change and promote sustainability in their local areas. We also sought to raise awareness about the importance of circular economy practices, encouraging wider adoption of green initiatives in society. The project also aimed to foster cross-sectoral cooperation by encouraging businesses, universities, and youth organizations to engage in more circular activities. Through collaboration and the sharing of best practices, we hoped to create a supportive ecosystem that would promote sustainability across various sectors and regions.<< Implementation >>The CE+ project implemented three main activity categories to ensure its success: The management activities were essential for maintaining the smooth and efficient operation of the project. To ensure strong coordination among all project partners, we organized four physical transnational meetings (TPMs) in Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania, and Belgium. The application phase focused on developing educational resources and engaging young people in the circular economy. One of the core activities was the creation of the Handbook for Circular Economy, which provided practical guidance for youth operators and young people to understand circular economy principles. At the beginning of the project, the partners carried out a thorough analysis of the circular and green skill situation inside their countries. 3 surveys were distributed, to collect data separately from youth, youth workers, and related businesses regarding green and circular economy skills and knowledge.We also developed webinars, their transcripts and a virtual course. Gamification played a central role in the application activities, particularly through the development of the Escape Room Games and quizzes. Dissemination activities -like Multiplier Events- were fundamental.<< Results >>A key output of the project was the creation of CE+ Handbook, designed to guide youth operators and young people in implementing circular economy practices. The handbook provided practical tools to support sustainability and reduce waste, offering easy-to-follow advice on how young people can contribute to the circular economy. The project trained youth workers and circular economy experts using CE+ Handbook in local workshops. CE+ project hosted webinars that served as a foundation for developing circular economy knowledge in our stakeholders.The content of these webinars and the CE+ Handbook were compiled into a virtual course, and the transcripts of the webinars were put into a manual format. Another significant achievement was the development of Escape Room Games and quizzes. These games provided a hands-on, interactive approach to learning about the circular economy andboosted digital competencies among participants. The escape room scenarios focused on sustainable practices, circular business models, and social entrepreneurship. The games also boosted digital competencies among participants. Beyond specific outputs, the project resulted in increased capacity for non-formal learning and green skills development.