The aim of the circular economy (CE) is to enable sustainable development through the effective and efficient use of materials by minimising the extraction of resources from the environment as well as environmental impacts. The ability to implement a CE depends to a large extent on data or derived information about the manufacture, production and use of products, their materials and their components. This requires a high level of knowledge and analysis. CE data therefore requires both the development of expertise and further research so that it can be applied in a meaningful way. This is where the Data Competence Centre for Circular Economy Data (DACE) comes in. The consortium is researching the skills required to collect, analyse and use CE data. Three pillars have been defined for researching and teaching the skills: DACE Academy, DACE Space and DACE Hub.
The aim of the DACE Academy is for scientists, students and practitioners to learn how to handle CE data and products throughout their entire life cycle in a certificate programme. The DACE Space aims to further develop data-orientated basic research, transfer and application research for CE data. The DACE Hub aims to network science, industry, administration and young professionals.
DACE addresses an important gap in research and education: On the one hand, much of the data that would be important for monitoring and managing the circular economy is neither available nor measurable. Secondly, the relevant stakeholders are often unaware that such data is even necessary in the context of the circular economy.
Partners
Bergische Universität Wuppertal
