Background

Despite the ongoing efforts of the European Union policies, heavily industrialized clusters are lagging in the implementation of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) to transit to more resource- and energy-efficient setups. To advance IS implementation, a promising future research direction is Hubs for Circularity (H4C). H4C provide spaces where diverse actors, such as businesses, governments, researchers, and civil society, collaborate to accelerate the net-zero Circular Economy (CE) transition. UT acquired the large-scale Horizon Europe project entitled "Sustainable Circular Economy Transition: from Industrial Symbiosis to Hubs for Circularity: IS2H4C”. IS2H4C will deliver a systemic approach to sustainable CE transition, helping to materialise Sustainable Development Goals.

Our focus? Resource efficiency, IS matchmaking, Life Cycle Assessment, renewable energy, waste prevention, and innovative circular technologies, through an integrated approach combing physical and digital H4C. Ensuring community and government support, sustainable business and financial models, and respect for our planet is paramount.

Our vision? Make IS2H4C the blueprint for Europe's sustainable future and promote H4C as a reference sustainable regional development model. We're starting in four H4C pilot sites across the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and Türkiye, collaborating with 35 partners from nine European countries.

Join us! UT is hiring six PhD students for IS2H4C, each with unique roles and qualifications. Be part of an interdisciplinary team shaping the future of CE and IS2H4C while advancing your research.

Key takeaways

As process industry navigates a fast-evolving financial landscape and respond to the pressing demand for sustainable and circular business model investments, the role of AI becomes even more pivotal in shaping the future of decision-making. Using Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) models, we intend to analyze financial investments & credit risk indicators within the context of Hubs 4 Circularity (H4C). While these AI techniques have been broadly applied in traditional financial settings, there's a notable gap when it comes to addressing the unique dynamics of businesses operating within the circular economy, particularly in H4C. The existing financial models often overlook the environmental and social costs and intricacies of circular business models, which could significantly influence investment and credit risk decisions. This Ph.D. project aims to delve deep into understanding the intersection of finance and sustainable circular business models, focusing on the H4C. Our goal is to equip the industry and society with cutting-edge AI-powered tools and models that foster sustainable, data-driven financial strategies, deeply rooted in the principles of a circular economy. Are you driven to redefine the financial industry by enhancing risk assessments and investment decisions, all while championing sustainability and circularity? If this resonates with you, this position could be your ideal opportunity!