Presented by: Zoia Pavlenko & Maria Alejandra Rojas - Sustainability Experts at GND Partners

Description:

While the term "sustainable development" appeals to the global developmental path, big changes consist of real actions on the ground. Emerging regulatory pieces and market trends also bring sustainability aspect to the reality of SMEs. While being a part of the global sustainable shift, they have to go through their transformation in a planned and manageable manner. Sustainability-related transformations require an influx of funds. Therefore, the current training module discusses:
• Context and global trends of sustainable investments
• What can be called a "sustainable investment"
• What are the sustainable investment tools
• How to turn a certain business idea into a sustainable investment
• Data flow around the sustainable investment

Presented by: Prof. Denis Dowling - Director of I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, University College Dublin, and Dr. Owen Humphreys - Postdoctoral Researcher, University College Dublin 

Description:

Companies are facing an increasing range of legislation related to their environmental impact and this module will provide an overview of this legislation and its impact for companies. A particular focus in this module is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which came into force in January 2023. It is focused on increasing the level of corporate transparency and facilitating more corporate accountability around sustainability issues.  One impact is to limit issues around greenwashing by setting out uniform parameters and standards. Whilst the CSRD legal obligations are targeted at larger companies initially, there will also be reporting issues for smaller enterprises that are in the supply chain of the larger enterprises. 

Presented by: Oliver Hasse - Managing Director at INAM and Dr. Asa Asadollahbaik - Business Development Manager at INAM

Description:

The workshop "Secure and Sustainable Supply Chains - through Advanced Materials" aims to provide valuable insights and practical guidance for businesses to adapt their supply chains to current challenges, requirements, and risks. Participants explore ways to assess their supply chains, how to find innovative materials, learn to overcome challenges, and craft strategic action plans for resilient supply chains. This is complemented by insights from case studies and suggestions on how to improve a business's environmental and operational excellence. With startups offering innovative solutions such as bio-, replacement, and tracking materials, participants have the opportunity to learn how to leverage open innovation to integrate these solutions.

Presented by: Prof. Salvo Tomaselli - Associate Professor at the University of Palermo and Giada Platania - Head of the International Affairs Unit at Sicindustria

Description:

Using the power of sustainable transition management, you can unleash the potential for long-term success inside your organisation. Our Sustainable Transition Management Training Module empowers participants with the information and skills they need to effectively manage strategic transitions and promote long-term growth. The workshop delves into the main transition management principles and practical tools, covering the following topics:

• Introduction to strategic transition planning and management.

• Understanding Strategic Transition Planning

• Key Components of Strategic Transition Planning

• Developing a Strategic Transition Plan

• Implementation and Execution of the Plan

Presented by: Marko Simic - Assistant Professor at the University of Ljubljana

Description:

Sustainable production systems and their equipment, and tooling mostly refer to advanced production systems that use smart solutions based on Industry 4.0 technologies. Those technologies are used to improve the system functionality, multi-operability, system utilization, and system efficiency and thus reduce waste and improve the quality of the products. In one way, the use of such a system results in more efficient production processes and material flow. On the other way, the Overall Equipment Efficiency can be drastically improved leading to higher added value and greater competitiveness of the company.

Presented by: Joshua Koch - Senior Engineer at HSSMI

Description:

Circular Economy (CE) is rapidly being seen as a critical component of sustainable development, with major benefits for enterprises, society, and the environment. Adopting CE practices is becoming increasingly critical as concerns about resource scarcity and environmental degradation grow. The following topics are covered in this training module:

• Introduction to CE and its principles

• Drivers and benefits of CE

• Circular models and examples

• Circular product design and supply chain

• CE enablers; Assessing CE in your business

• CE actions and roadmap development

Presented by: Hakon Dahl - Researcher at SINTEF Manufacturing

Description:

The Karakuri IoT training module enables organisation-wide digitisation and improvement efforts by providing operators with the tools, knowledge, and methodology needed to optimise processes within their areas of expertise. Operators may detect, propose and implement solutions autonomously by integrating their process expertise with an understanding of digitalisation and automation technologies. This method promotes a culture of continuous improvement in which operators actively participate in driving positive changes and optimizing workflows.

Presented by: Dr. Bahman Peyravi - Associate professor at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University

Description:

In today's world, innovation, innovation management, eco-innovation, and sustainability practices are of utmost importance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By fostering a culture of innovation and implementing effective innovation management strategies, SMEs can stay competitive, adapt to changing market dynamics, and achieve sustainable growth. Eco-innovation enables SMEs to address environmental challenges, comply with regulations, and meet the growing demand for sustainable products and practices. By integrating sustainability practices into their operations, SMEs can reduce their ecological footprint, enhance resource efficiency, mitigate risks associated with climate change and resource scarcity, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive economy. These practices not only enhance the environmental performance of SMEs but also attract socially conscious customers, build a positive brand image, and ensure long-term viability and resilience in the face of global challenges. Overall, the integration of innovation, innovation management, eco-innovation, and sustainability practices empowers SMEs to thrive in today's world while driving a positive impact on the environment and society.

Presented by: Alfonso Mitrotti - Carbon Footprint Consultant at Global Factor

Description:

Carbon accounting is critical for improving internal management inside enterprises. Diving into the specifics of resource usage, provides significant insights into the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released by the entire organisation during a certain period, often on an annual basis. The workshop will include a short technical introduction to basic carbon footprint concepts and how to approach the calculation of an organization's carbon footprint (limits and approach of the study, data needed to perform the calculations, and reporting). After this introduction, the importance of carbon footprint work for companies will be addressed, focusing on three main reasons: compliance with increasingly demanding regulatory requirements, market trends towards more sustainable products, and access to sustainable financing from investment funds that include sustainability criteria in the distribution of their investments.