A simple and therefore effective formulation that summarizes the concept of the circular economy, which aims to move from everything that is disposable to a circular economy model. Already 450 BC Formulated by the Greek Anaxagoras des Clazomenes, shortly after the start of the first industrial revolution, Lavoisier nevertheless reminds us that we live on a planet whose resources are neither infinite nor free.
Despite everything, after more than 300,000 years of existence on the planet, Homo sapiens, in the opposite way and in just three centuries, managed to destroy a multitude of resources and very likely make their future life more uncomfortable, unsafe and complex.
The first two decades of this 21st century, marked by numerous financial, climate, social, health (Covid-19), energy or geopolitical (war in Ukraine) crises, show us how much we are increasingly dealing with see unprecedented situations and that the as usual is no longer an option. A fifth turn is necessary.
A fifth revolution
Moving from a fourth revolution to a fifth revolution is urgently needed if we are to avoid an accelerated repetition of these crises and to refute the worst-case scenarios of the “collapsologists”. This must give people and the planet back the place they deserve. This revolution is certainly the most important and most difficult that Homo sapiens has to accomplish. It will have to go through a questioning of the capitalist model of profit maximization for the shareholder. It will be about implementing new models that achieve articulation and a delicate balance between the 3 Ps of People Planet Profits. This revolution involves educating a generation of entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact and who are driven by a goal that goes beyond mere economic viability.
The Universities of Zagreb (ZSEM), Vilnius (ISM) and Liège (HEC) have set themselves this goal with the introduction of an Erasmus Mundus Masters in Impact Entrepreneurship.This master leading to three diplomas will start its first cohort in September 2022 in Zagreb. From more than 400 candidates, the 2022 edition recruited 21 future impact entrepreneurs. They come from 19 nationalities of very different origins (Nigeria, Ecuador, Azerbaijan, Palestine, Mongolia, Ukraine, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Bangladesh). As part of their 18-month journey, they will be in Liège in September 2023 to coordinate the entrepreneurial impact project they must carry.