Addressing sustainability is a necessity in today's business environment. Civil society, media and governments increasingly expect that companies look beyond short-term profit toward a broader goal of long-term sustainable value creation. The launch of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also reflects this broader business agenda.

A good sustainability strategy provides opportunities to improve day-to-day business, establish a competitive advantage and develop new and sustainable products. . A move from linear to circular economies require revised strategic approaches. Systemic thinking and sustainable business strategies are addressed. The circular economy, defined as eliminating waste and extending the use of resources, is crucial to achieving a sustainable future. To move from talking about “waste” as a problem to realizing it as a “resource”, is a key element in this process. In this course, discussions and case studies will address such topics as eco-design, industrial symbiosis, functional economy refurbishment, repair, re-manufacturing and recycling.

The course will focus on understanding how to develop and integrate a sustainable strategy approach. Circular economy, innovation, customer behavior, risk management, communicating/reputation and media management, governance and responsible investment (ESG) will all be addressed. Since sustainability is a global issue, challenges and opportunities in emerging markets will be incorporated into the lectures. Students will be given the opportunity to collaborate with students and potentially businesses/organizations virtually from other international institutions in the Global South.

The teaching will be based on lectures, presentations, and outside speakers, all in close collaboration with corporations engaged in sustainable business strategy and circular economy.