Analysis 1

National Report on »Are We Ready for Circularity in Slovenia?«

The national report, "Are We Ready for Circularity?", prepared by eZavod, provides a comprehensive analysis of Slovenia's progress and readiness towards adopting Circular Economy (CE) principles, with a focus on the tourism sector and vocational education and training (VET). Here are the key findings and recommendations from the report:

Key Findings:

1. National Strategies Supporting Circular Economy:
   • Slovenia Development Strategy 2030: Aims for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and promotes renewable energy sources.
   • City of Maribor's CE Strategy: Focuses on waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable mobility.
   • Slovenian Tourism Strategy 2022-2028: Emphasizes sustainable tourism practices.
   • Recovery and Resilience Plan (NOO—RRP): Allocates €1.7 billion for the green transition, circular economy, and green skills training.
2. Incorporation of CE Practices in Tourism:
   • Many tourism organizations prioritize local sourcing and have implemented solid waste management practices.
   • Common barriers include financial constraints, technical challenges, and lack of human resources and training.
3. Awareness and Readiness:
   • High awareness of sustainability and CE among tourism organizations, with a strong interest in adopting CE practices.
   • VET institutions are preparing students with necessary skills but face challenges such as insufficient resources and industry collaboration.
4. Educational and Training Focus:
   • VET institutions are focusing on digital marketing, climate change adaptation, and CE principles.
   • Main obstacles include financial limitations, outdated curricula, and lack of trained educators.

Recommendations:

1. Enhancing Awareness and Knowledge:
   • Increase information dissemination and training on CE principles for both tourism professionals and VET educators.
2. Financial Support and Resources:
   • Provide more financial resources to support CE initiatives and training programs in both sectors.
3. Industry Collaboration:
   • Foster stronger partnerships between VET institutions and businesses to promote practical applications of CE principles.
4. Educational Reforms:
   • Integrate CE principles into educational curricula and provide specialized training for educators.
5. Support for VET Institutions:
   • Offer policy and regulatory advocacy, online platforms for collaboration, specialized training programs, and financial assistance for curriculum development.
6. Support for Tourism Organizations:
   • Facilitate networking, exchange of best practices, participation in training programs, and provide financial support for implementing CE practices.

SWOT Analysis:

• Strengths: High awareness of CE importance, effective digital marketing education, and preparedness to implement CE principles in future workplaces.
• Weaknesses: Lack of knowledge and financial resources, insufficient trained staff, and limited access to sustainable products.
• Opportunities: National and European funds, willingness to learn and exchange best practices, and participation in CE projects.
• Threats: Customer acceptance of CE practices, additional implementation costs, and complexity of administrative procedures.

By addressing these areas, Slovenia can significantly advance its commitment to a circular and sustainable future, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

For more detailed insights, the full report is available at:

Annex V_National report of Analysis 1_A2.2._SIovenia_final 2024 (1.4 Mb)

Analysis 2

National Report on »Skills for the Green and Circular Transition in Slovenia«:

The national report, developed by eZavod Ptuj, provides an in-depth analysis of Slovenia's readiness for a green and circular transition, focusing on strategies, plans, and the importance of green skills in both the tourism sector and vocational education and training (VET). Here are the key insights and recommendations from the report:

Key Findings:

1. Strategic Commitments:

• Slovenia's Development Strategy 2030: Emphasizes sustainable development with goals for green skills improvement and transitioning to a circular economy.
• Slovenian Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2022-2028: Focuses on sustainable tourism practices, including green skills training for tourism workers.
• Recovery and Resilience Plan (NOO - RRP): Allocates €1.7 billion to promote the green transition, circular economy, and green skills training.

2. Importance of Green Skills:

• Both VET institutions and tourism organizations recognize the necessity of green and circular transitions in their operations and the broader industry.
• Key green skills identified include energy and water efficiency, waste management, promoting sustainable transport, and using local products and resources.

3. Challenges and Barriers:

• For VET Institutions: Financial constraints, inadequate material base, outdated pedagogical methods, and lack of familiarity with circular economy concepts.
• For Tourism Organizations: Financial and technical challenges, lack of trained staff, and limited access to sustainable products.

4. Support Needed:

• VET Institutions: Require exchange of good practices, networking with other organizations, specialized training programs, and adequate infrastructure.
• Tourism Sector: Needs training programs, exchange of good practices, financial support, and networking opportunities.

Recommendations:

1. Enhance Awareness and Education:

• Increase information dissemination and training on circular economy principles for both tourism professionals and VET educators.

2. Financial and Technical Support:

• Provide more financial resources to support circular economy initiatives and training programs in both sectors.
• Develop infrastructure and tools necessary for effective green skills education and training.

3. Promote Industry Collaboration:

• Foster stronger partnerships between VET institutions and businesses to promote practical applications of circular economy principles.

4. Policy and Regulatory Advocacy:

• Advocate for policies that support the integration of circular economy concepts into educational curricula and business practices.

5. Specialized Training Programs:

• Develop and provide specialized training programs for educators and staff on sustainable practices and circular economy.

General Conclusions:

• The importance of green skills is embedded in almost every strategy in Slovenia, indicating a strong commitment to the circular transition.
• Both VET institutions and tourism organizations show high awareness and recognition of the necessity for green and circular transitions in their operations.
• Effective transition requires adequate resources, updated methods, industry collaboration, and ongoing support for developing and implementing green skills.

By addressing these areas, Slovenia can significantly advance its commitment to a sustainable and circular future, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

For more detailed insights, the full report is available at:

National report_Analysis 2_Slovenia_final 5.6.2024 (703 Kb)

Skill Taxonomy

Skill Taxonomy

A structured overview of 26 Circular Economy competencies in tourism

The Skill Taxonomy provides a structured framework of skills relevant to the tourism sector and related fields from a Circular Economy perspective. It supports companies and VET institutions in designing training programs that respond to climate challenges and sustainability goals.

The competencies are grouped into five categories, based on the core elements of the Circular Economy (as defined by Circle Economy):

1. Prioritise regenerative resources – Use renewable, reusable, and non-toxic resources efficiently for materials and energy.
2. Stretch the lifetime – Maintain, repair, and upgrade products to extend their use, and implement take-back strategies where possible.
3. Use waste as a resource – Recover and reuse waste streams as valuable secondary resources.
4. Design circular – Consider circularity in the design phase by selecting suitable materials and planning for long-lasting, reusable products.
5. Incorporate digital technology – Track and optimise resource use and strengthen connections between actors through digital platforms and tools.

Attachment: Advance Circular_Skill taxonomy_TOOL 2_final (45.7 Mb)

5R Digital Cards

5R Digital Cards

Interactive learning tool based on the 5R principles: Rethink, Redesign, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

This tool offers educational content structured around key Circular Economy concepts, designed for use in training and awareness-raising.
 More info and access to cards