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Interdisciplinary Thesis Lab 2023-2024
Changing mega systems: towards a circular carbon industry cluster in South Holland

 

The region of South Holland is an important driver of the Dutch economy. However, it houses a lot of conventional industrial practices. In 2050, these fossil fuel-based practices need to be replaced by circular carbon industrial practices and circular ventures. This new industry needs to fit into a new fully circular value system.

 

 

Together with the province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter,  and Economic Board South Holland we will be working on a new challenge towards the transformation towards a circular carbon industry cluster in South Holland.

Topics and theses

In this thesis lab we explore the chances, opportunities and challenges of a circular carbon industry cluster in South Holland, together with the province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter and the Economic Board South Holland (taskforce Circular Economy). What kind of new circular industrial activities will take place, especially in the Rotterdam harbor complex, to prepare for and take full opportunity of the upcoming systems change? How does this systems shift look like? How can we accelerate this shift? The main question of the thesis lab is: 

How does the South Holland circular carbon industry cluster look like in 2050? What is its role in the new circular system and how do we get there?

Thesis topics

Enrolment for the academic year 2023-2024 is closed.

    Circular Industry in South Holland

    The region of South Holland is one of the carriers of the Dutch economy and has a lot of potential to play a key role in the transition towards a circular industry. The region has the largest petrochemical cluster of the world, the largest biobased cluster of Europe, the largest sea harbor of Europe, infrastructure to the hinterland, strong ecosystems and world class knowledge institutions. However, it houses a lot of conventional industrial practices. These fossil fuel-based practices need to be replaced by circular carbon industrial practices and circular ventures. The taskforce Circular Economy of the Economic Board South Holland has created the ‘Circular Action Agenda South Holland’. The agenda focus on accelerating the transition to renewable, recyclable resources on a commercial, industrial level in South Holland.

    The following circular ambitions are mentioned: In 2030, it is the aim of the region to use 10 million tons of renewable materials as a replacement of fossil based materials in the production of materials, chemical products and biofuels. And also to stimulate a sustainable business case in the petrochemical sector with 1.600 FTE of employment opportunities. In 2050, the sector wants to be 100% circular. To make this systems shift – and create the circular carbon hub South Holland – collaboration between the industry, government and knowledge institutions (‘triple helix’) is key. To reach the goals a systems change is needed: a shift from a “take, make, waste” system to a circular system. In this system reuse, product sharing, product leasing, repairing and refurbishing will be the new norm to reduce the amount of materials needed. The materials we do use need to be sustainable: industry needs to recycle and reuse circular, biobased and CO2-based materials. In this thesis lab we explore the chances, opportunities and challenges of a circular carbon industry cluster in South Holland, together with the province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter and the Economic Board South Holland (taskforce Circular Economy).

    Read here about the Sustainable Port 

    Read here about the Circulaire Actieagenda Zuid-Holland 

    Deel 2haven

    I'd like to invite students to use their fresh ideas and talents to overcome the challenge of transitioning to a circular industrial complex with us.

    - Jeanette Baljeu (Gedeputeerde Staten provincie Zuid-Holland)

    group cms

    Foto

    Program 2023/2024

    With a team of students you will work on the challenge. There are eleven bi-weekly sessions during which you will meet professionals and academic experts, follow workshops, lectures and join excursions. You’ll learn from other students, confront ideas and exchange methodologies. You will write your master thesis, meanwhile creating an interdisciplinary result for the challenge you all work on together.

    We have a couple of spots left! We are looking for students with an expertise on engineering, law, economics and humanities & philosophy. Do you want to contribute to the mega circular carbon transition in South-Holland? Join our Thesis Lab and enroll before November 26, 2023.

    Lab program 

    case holders

    The province of South Holland aims towards being a region with a complete circular society in 2050. A society without waste, in which we reduce materials needed with smart circular strategies and reuse existing raw materials and materials for new products. In that way we are less dependent on scarce materials and limit damage to the environment, biodiversity and our own health. The province stimulates collaboration between industry, government, research and citizens.

    ZHIQEBZ

    InnovationQuarter is the regional economic development agency for the Province of South Holland. Their mission is to strengthen the regional economic structure by stimulating the innovation potential of the unique delta region. In close collaboration with all major corporations and many small medium enterprises, educational and research institutes as well as government organisations, they align the efforts required to design a brighter tomorrow.

    The Economic Board South Holland (EBZ) consists of the most important actors of the South Holland economy: industries, knowledge institutions and governmental organizations. The board members of the EBZ are committed to renew and strengthen the economy of South Holland, to make the economy more sustainable and stimulate the business climate in the region.

      

    Inspiration and results 

    Get inspired and check the results of previous Labs.

    enrolment

    Conditions for enrolment

    Actie agenda