Prof. Assoc. Dr. Alba Ramallari, lecturer at the Department of Economic Sciences at the Faculty of Business of the “Aleksandër Moisiu” University of Durrës (UAMD), has worthily represented the university and Albania in an important international activity on the circular economy. She participated in the Boot Camp organized by the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, Spain, within the framework of the STARS EU Alliance. This activity took place from 9 to 15 November 2024 and included academics and students from prestigious European universities.
What is the Circular Economy Boot Camp?
The Circular Economy Boot Camp is an international platform aimed at educating and practically applying the principles of the circular economy, an economic model that aims to reduce waste and maximize the use of existing resources. This initiative is organized by the University of La Laguna as part of the STARS EU Alliance, which includes several European universities collaborating to promote innovation, sustainability and quality education.
The contribution of Prof. Ramallari and UAMD to the Boot Camp
Prof. Ramallari not only participated in this activity, but also led a student team in the design and implementation of concrete projects on the circular economy. She gave lectures on key topics such as:
- “Persona” – analysis of user needs and behaviors to build appropriate products and services.
- “Pretotyping” – method for testing new ideas at minimal cost before investing in full production.
- 9R Strategies – which include methods to reduce, reuse and recycle materials in a circular economy.
In addition to lectures, she collaborated with international academics and mentored students in creating projects based on real business issues and needs in Tenerife.
Projects and Results
The students, under the guidance of Prof. Ramallari, developed concrete projects for the application of the circular economy in real businesses in Tenerife. One of the main partners of this activity was the company Loro Parque, një organizatë e njohur ndërkombëtarisht për praktikat e saj të qëndrueshme dhe përkushtimin ndaj mbrojtjes së mjedisit.
Prof. Ramallari's team worked closely with Loro Parque to develop a circulation model tailored to their operations and activities. Their project focused on:
- Reducing waste and creating reusable materials.
- Developing strategies for managing natural resources and energy.
- Educating the local community on the benefits of the circular economy.
The project of the team led by Prof. Ramallari was highly praised for its creativity, practical approach and the impact it can have on the sustainable development of local businesses.
The Importance of the Activity for Students and UAMD
This activity served as a rich experience for the students, offering them the opportunity to apply theory to practice and collaborate with professionals and international colleagues. Through this experience:
- Students developed practical skills: They learned to apply circular economy concepts to real-world situations and work in international teams.
- Promoting innovation: The activity encouraged them to think outside the traditional box and create new solutions to environmental and economic challenges.
- International experience: Collaboration with colleagues from different universities and companies helped expand the students' vision and professional network.
For the University of “Aleksandër Moisiu” Durrës, participation in this activity strengthens its reputation as an institution that promotes quality education and internationalization. Involvement in such projects is a testament to UAMD's commitment to sustainable development and preparing students for global challenges.
STARS EU Alliance and International Cooperation
The STARS EU alliance, of which UAMD is a part, plays an important role in promoting sustainability and innovation in higher education. This alliance enables member universities to exchange experiences, resources and best practices to address global challenges, such as environmental protection and economic development. UAMD's participation in this initiative is an indication of the university's commitment to contributing to solving these challenges through education and research.
Conclusions and Future Perspectives
The participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Ramallari and UAMD students in the Boot Camp on Circular Economy is an excellent example of the university's commitment to practical and innovative education. This activity not only contributed to the professional development of students, but also reinforced UAMD's position as an institution that promotes sustainability and international cooperation.
The success of the team led by Prof. Ramallari is an inspiration for UAMD students and staff to continue engaging in projects that bring positive change. With dedication and international cooperation, “Aleksandër Moisiu” University continues to play an important role in preparing future leaders who will contribute to a more sustainable economy and society.
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