The supply of international online studies related to the Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy

The bilaterial agreement between PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Lapland University of applied Sciences (Lapland UAS) brought me for a short 3-month internship to Rovaniemi in February 2024.

My bachelor’s thesis called Supply and students’ views on online international studies in Europe in English at a higher education level related to Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy and Circular economy was researched. Studies for thesis were collected and the Lapland UAS students of the departments Forestry and Construction were asked their opinions on online international studies by means of a survey.

Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy in Europe

Bioeconomy, renewable energy and circular economy have gained attention over the years as the world is looking for a more sustainable future. With Europe as one of the leaders in these fields, sustainable practices have made their way into economies and environmental challenges. Bioeconomy, which includes sectors like agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and biotechnology, has become vital for sustainable development and economic growth.

Renewable energy is an important factor in climate goals in Europe, harnessing solar, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal energy to reduce carbon emissions. Circular economy addresses resource depletion and environmental degradation by promoting waste reduction and recycling. Finland, a front runner, in these areas, with its vast forest resources and advanced technology and policies sets an example for other countries. The EU are implementing policies and initiatives to advance these areas to aim for a sustainable future (CIRCCABC, 2024; European Commission, 2024; Kari Herlevi, 2016; Parliament – www.europarleuropa.eu, 2023; Peltonen, 2022; Warnants, 2024).

Online international studies

In today’s academic landscape, online studies are omnipresent and international studies are easily accessible. Online international studies are gaining attention as they cross geographical boundaries and enable learning various topics from home. These programs provide students with invaluable opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives, cultures, and knowledge systems, thereby enhancing their communication skills. They also cultivate global citizenship by instilling a sense of interconnectedness and responsibility in addressing global challenges. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, proficiency in global communication and adaptability are vital for academic and professional success (de Graaf et al., 2022; Lucas et al., 2018; Rosendale & Gray-Rosendale, n.d.; Warnants, 2024).

Findings of the research for online studies

In my research, studies related to the topics of bioeconomy, renewable energy and circular economy were searched. These studies needed to be at universities in the EU, in English and entirely online. The research provided 36 studies from various topic. With the most common topic being renewable energy and with the studies not only focusing on the general topic but also including focuses on law-making, engineering and finance.

The studies were found in seven different countries. Most of the studies coming from the UK, evidently because the studies that were searched needed to be in the English language. The tuition fees varied greatly with the range being from free to several thousand euros. The research shed light on the supply of international online studies. And showed that they contribute to knowledge distribution and innovation.

The survey was conducted among students at Lapland UAS within the departments of Forestry and Construction. A decent portion of students told they had learned about bioeconomy, renewable energy and circular economy in their courses. Many students also had an interest in participating in online studies after they graduated. They want to expand their knowledge about the topics, and they want to learn more about other countries and cultures.

Overall, the survey findings provide valuable insights into the perspectives and preferences of students regarding bioeconomy, renewable energy, and circular economy education, indicating a strong interest in sustainable development topics and a desire for comprehensive and accessible learning opportunities to prepare for future careers and academic pursuits (Warnants, 2024).

Process of thesis for student

Students’ thesis process at the Lapland UAS is managed and guided online by the Wihi system, where all the communication between coordinator and student will happen. The coordinator monitors and guides the progress of the thesis and reviews the documents for publications. Wihi supports students to follow-up their thesis progress step by step. At the end, students will give a maturity test and participate in the seminar to provide the thesis presentation. This article is part of the communication of thesis for wider public.

Sources

CIRCCABC. (2024, April). Circular Economy Policy.

De Graaf, I., Papadimitiou, A., van der Peijl, S., Cuartas-Acosta, A., Hüsing, T., Korte, W., Lilischkis, S., Baltina, L., Diego, I., Hogarth, T., Imbert, E., Luana, L., & Morone, P. (2022). Promoting education, training and skills across the bioeconomy Final Report. https://doi.org/10.2777/367

European Commission. (2024, April). Renewable energy.

Europian Parliament (2023). Circular economy: definition, importance and benefits | News | European Parliament. https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/video/v_V007-0034

Herlevi, Kari (2016). Leading the cycle: Finnish road map to circular economy 2016-2025.

Lucas, H., Pinnington, S., & Cabeza, L. (2018). Education and training gaps in the renewable energy sector.

Peltonen, P. (2022). The Finnish Bioeconomy Strategy. Sustainably towards higher value added.

Rosendale, S., & Gray-Rosendale, L. (n.d.). Reconfiguring Writing Courses for the New Virtual World. Peter Lang International Academic Publishers.

Warnants, T. (2024). Supply and Students’ Views on Online International Studies in the Eu in English at a Higher Education Level Related to Bioeconomy, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy.