Training Program for Makers: A Free Learning Resource for Circular Product Development

The Circular makerspaces: Training Program is designed for makerspace communities, a diverse audience, individuals working in creative spaces who want to implement sustainable practices. It includes makers, students and educators, business support organisations and other interested parties.

The training program is structured into nine comprehensive topics, each focusing on key aspects of the circular economy:

1. Circular Economy and Sustainability – Understanding fundamental circular economy concepts.
2. Waste as a Resource – Strategies to repurpose and reuse materials effectively.
3. Circular Value Chains, Ecosystems, and People – Collaboration and stakeholder engagement in circular networks.
4. Circular Business Models – How to develop financially viable circular enterprises.
5. Life Cycle Thinking and Environmental Footprint – Measuring and minimizing environmental impacts.
6. Design Thinking for Circular Products – Applying innovative design strategies for sustainability.
7. Reusability, Repairability, and Recyclability – Extending the life of materials and products.
8. Integration of Circular Approaches into Everyday Work Life – Practical implementation strategies for individuals and businesses.
9. Circular Economy Policies Across the Baltic Sea Region – Regional and international frameworks supporting circular initiatives.

Each module combines theoretical insights with practical applications, including workshops, case studies, and hands-on activities. Trainers are provided with methodological notes and presentation slides to facilitate engaging learning experiences. More importantly, the program has been built to give an option for trainees to use any of the topics separately or use all of them. The order in which the topics are used is not determinative.

Using the Circular makerspaces: Training Program leads to greater resource efficiency, helping makers reduce waste while optimizing material use. This program encourages creativity and innovation by fostering problem-solving through sustainable design and material reuse. It also plays a key role in strengthening communities, promoting collaboration among makers, businesses, and policymakers to drive systemic change. From an economic perspective, implementing circular economy principles allows organizations to develop business models that are both sustainable and profitable. Furthermore, staying informed about policy developments ensures that makerspaces and makers align with evolving regulations and best practices, making them more resilient and forward-thinking.

The training program is available in digital format and can be accessed through the Interreg Baltic Sea Region website. Trainers can adapt the content to suit their audience’s needs, combining self-paced learning with interactive workshops. Printed versions of the training program can be found in the circular makerspaces:

• Valmiera Makerspace DARE, Latvia
• Ventspils Makerspace RADE, Latvia
• Makerspace Creator in Stavanger, Norway
• Makerspace Maker in Copenhagen, Denmark
• Makerspace Gewerbehof in Luckenwalde, Germany

For those looking to enhance their makerspace with sustainable practices, this program serves as an essential guide to navigating the transition from a linear to a circular economy.

Are you ready to change your creative work habits and embrace a sustainable future? Access the Circular Spaces Training Program for free and become part of a growing network of changemakers committed to a circular economy.

Programme Manual Online

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