The Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS) is proud to participate in the 3D-CIRCULAR Project, a flagship European initiative co-funded under the Digital Europe Programme. Bringing together 32 partners from across Europe, the project aims to address one of the most pressing challenges facing European industry and society: developing the skills, knowledge and competencies required for the twin digital and green transition. The project is creating a new educational ecosystem that combines advanced digital technologies with circular economy principles to prepare the next generation of professionals, researchers and business leaders.
A key milestone of the project is the launch, in September 2026, of a portfolio of fully online postgraduate and doctoral programmes, including the MSc in Digital Deep Tech Driven Circular Economy, MBA in Digital Deep Tech Driven Circular Economy, MSc by Research, PhD, and DBA programmes. These programmes will create a truly pan-European virtual learning environment that equips learners with expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), innovation management and circular economy leadership.
Among the courses offered within the MBA programme is “Business Models for Digital Circular Economy.” The course explores how organisations can redesign traditional linear business models and transition towards circular value creation systems supported by digital technologies. A distinctive feature of the course is its strong emphasis on the role of international standards, particularly the emerging ISO 59000 series on Circular Economy, as practical tools for implementing, measuring and scaling circular business models.
International standards provide a common language and a structured framework for organisations seeking to move from ambition to action. The course introduces learners to ISO 59020:2024, which provides requirements and guidance for measuring and assessing circularity performance. By establishing consistent methodologies and indicators, the standard enables organisations to evaluate how effectively resources, products and materials circulate within economic systems. Reliable measurement is essential for demonstrating progress, supporting sustainability reporting and building stakeholder confidence in circular economy initiatives.
Students will also examine ISO 59010:2024, which offers guidance on transitioning business models and value networks from linear to circular approaches. The standard helps organisations understand how value can be created, retained and regenerated through collaboration, innovation and resource efficiency. Rather than focusing solely on individual organisations, ISO 59010 encourages businesses to consider their broader ecosystems and value networks, reflecting the systems-thinking approach that is central to the circular economy.
To complement this perspective, the course includes ISO/TR 59032:2024, which reviews existing value networks and provides examples of how collaboration structures can support circularity. Understanding current network arrangements enables organisations to identify barriers, opportunities and partnerships necessary for successful circular transformation. Students will also be introduced to ISO/AWI 59011, a developing standard that provides guidance on organising value networks towards circularity and creating collaborative ecosystems capable of supporting circular flows of materials, products and information.
As Cyprus’s national standards body, CYS plays a strategic role in bringing this knowledge into the 3D-CIRCULAR educational ecosystem. Through its participation in the project, CYS contributes expertise in standardisation, international best practices and the practical application of standards to emerging economic and technological challenges. The organisation is directly involved in the development and delivery of educational content related to standardisation, digital circular economy concepts and the application of the ISO 59000 family of standards.
By integrating international standards into higher education, CYS helps ensure that future business leaders, researchers and policymakers not only understand the principles of circularity but are also equipped with practical tools to implement them. This contribution aligns closely with the broader objectives of the 3D-CIRCULAR Project: building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable innovation, strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and accelerating the transition towards a digital, resource-efficient and climate-neutral economy.
Professionals interested in positioning themselves at the forefront of Europe’s Twin Transition can learn more and express their interest in the programmes through the 3D-CIRCULAR platform.