Greater Noida, 17th April 2025: Birla Institute
of Management Technology (BIMTECH), a leading business school in India, has
proudly announced the launch of its ‘DIGI- SUSTEACH, Centre’, providing
sustainable development opportunities for actors in the circular economy
landscape. This sustainability and circular economy centre is designed to
integrate Sustainable and Circular Economy (SACE) principles into higher
education curricula across Asia and Europe.
Launched under the ambit of the EU-funded Knowledge Development for
Circular Economy (KODECET) project. This project funded by European Union’s
Erasmus+ program unites leading universities from Finland, Austria, India, and
Thailand. As India’s lead academic partner, BIMTECH has taken a prominent
role in advancing this mission by conducting a comprehensive Status Quo Report
on circular economy education and establishing one of four DIGI-SUSTEACH
Centres.
The DIGI-SUSTEACH Centre embodies NEP 2020’s emphasis on experiential
and lifelong learning, with the adoption of best global practices. By embedding
circular economy frameworks and digital sustainability into its curriculum, the
Centre will foster critical thinking, innovation, and practical problem-solving
among students, preparing them for a sustainable future. The curriculum will
feature project-based learning, video lectures by international experts, and
case studies on resource efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainable value
creation.
Guided by global benchmarks such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s
CE100 network, the EU’s GreenComp framework, and the UN Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs), the DIGI-SUSTEACH Centre leverages strategic partnerships with
the University of Jyväskylä (Finland) and FH Joanneum (Austria) to deliver
world-class sustainability education. Its impact will be evaluated through
robust metrics, including student engagement, academic output, and societal
outreach, ensuring tangible contributions to a circular economy.
Dr. Prabina
Rajib, Director, BIMTECH, said, “The DIGI-SUSTEACH Centre is not just an
academic milestone, it’s a transformative leap toward reimagining management
education for a sustainable future. By integrating circular economy principles
into our curriculum and fostering global collaboration, we are equipping our
students to lead the charge toward a regenerative economy. This initiative not
only aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020 but also positions BIMTECH
as a pioneer in shaping environmentally conscious leaders who will drive
systemic change. We are excited to partner with industry and international
academia to build a sustainable tomorrow."
Indian industries
have also shown strong interest in participating to focus on group discussions
and joining the Centre’s Advisory Board. As environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) metrics gain prominence, the demand for managers trained in
circular economy frameworks will soar. The DIGI-SUSTEACH Centre is poised to
meet this need through industry-aligned research, curriculum co-design, and
capability-building programs.
Inspired
by its founders Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH pioneered
innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail
Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing
individuals into global leaders. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining
the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic
relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its
globally placed robust alumni network of over 8000 individuals.