Research Conference

Introduction

The Circular Economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible, that aims at tackling global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. This simply implies reducing waste to a minimum.

This is a departure from the traditional, linear economic model, which is based on a take-make-consume-throw away pattern. This model relies on large quantities of cheap, easily accessible materials and energy.

Circular economy (CE) research has taken off exponentially in the last few years, with concerted policy efforts from the EU and other organizations. Aiming at an economic system wherein products are designed to maximize the value extracted from resources, the development of a CE could indeed represent a social transformation.

Theme of the Conference – Circular Economy and Sustainability

This Conference aims to contribute to the understanding of the sustainability impact of CE practices and the different routes to innovation that may be required, also exploring theoretical and pragmatic implications related to the Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Indeed, relatively little attention has been paid to examining the environmental, social, and economic impact of CE practices, and how those impacts may be context and/or scale-dependent.

Objectives of the Conference

• To promote the concept of circular economy & sustainability amongst corporate, academia and students.
• To provide an international platform for interaction on circular economy and sustainability.
• To invite new discoveries and research in the areas of circular economy and sustainability.

The twodays conference was inaugurated in the presence of Mr. M. Krishna,Managing director KAM AVIDA, Mr.Mahesh Athavale, Vice Chairman, General Council and Governing Body of Deccan Education Society and Dr. Shikha Jai, Director, IMDR.

Mr. M. Krishna suggested the similarity between the circular economy and the Indian way of life. He also emphasized on creating an organisational culture which will help to be a responsible and creative employee.Mr.Mahesh Athavale suggested that extreme consumerism is now questioning the balance between micro and macro-economics.

The conference was addressed by international speakers who have done extensive work in sustainability.Dr.Subhasis Ray from Maynooth University, Netherland addressed the audience of researchers and students with circular business models, challenges and implementation of circularity in businesses. and Dr. Scott Clautier from Arizona State University, USA discussed the personal aspect of circular economy and how one can use it for human and community development.

The conference observed extensive discussion over the research presented over two days. 20 research papers from 5 states and 1 union territory were presented at the conference and the best paper award was awarded to Dr. CS CMA SanvediRane.

The conference concluded with a valedictory function chaired by the chief guest Mr. Bharat Pathak, owner of Wealth Management India Pvt. Ltd.He emphasized the three stages of start-up - values, values creation and valuation.He also stated that Environmental, Social, and Governancethrough integrity aspect is key to success.The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Shikha Jain, Director, IMDR.

The winners ofthe Business plan competition were announced in the valedictory function. The first prize was awarded to Shruti Hire. The second prize was awarded to Ravindra Joshi and the thrird prize was awarded toPranayKhobragade.