<< Background >>The EU launched an unprecedented, ambitious initiative “The European Green Deal” (EGD) as an integral part of the EU Commission’s strategy to implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda & the sustainable development goals. Reliable, comparable & verifiable information plays an important part in enabling consumers to make more sustainable decisions & reduces the risk of ‘greenwashing’. As part of EGD initiatives, companies will be required to report against a standard methodology & to assess their impact on the environment. In current practice, the Non-financial Reporting Directive (NFRD, no. 2014/95/EU) lays down the rules on disclosure of non-financial information by companies & is fully transposed in all EU Member States (including partners’ countries). Companies are required to include non-financial statements in their annual reports from 2018 onwards, regarding operational, social & environmental data. However, as the reporting obligation applies only to certain types of companies over 500 employees, the proportion of businesses disclosing non-financial information is very low. Moreover, several problems were identified, raising a question mark referring to the company’s capacity in delivering such reports; various analyses reveal that in many cases, information is provided at a general level and/or data are incomplete and non-comparable. Moreover, most SMEs and other organizations have been struggling to report on a voluntary basis due to their insufficient capacity and understanding of the issue. Nevertheless, the new Corporate Social Reporting Directive (CSRD) is currently in the legislative process that extends its scope to all companies over 250 employees and certain SMEs, which will be required to report on non-financial aspects of their business since 2024. The number of companies subject to the mandatory reporting will thus be many times higher and the managers and responsible employees will have to cope with new challenges. Therefore the project aims to fill a gap in VET programmes dealing with knowledge in sustainability strategic approach & reporting & build up a common approach for VET teachers & learners across the EU to respond to the requirements of the future & flexible job market, to: - Develop partnerships amongst educators, businesses & other stakeholders aimed at promoting work-based learning in all its forms & supporting VET learners in acquiring & developing skills & key competences in sustainability reporting & foster employability; - Introduce open education & innovative digital practices making education available for all & facilitating new learning methods by development of a new e-Learning platform; - Facilitation of the recognition & validation of competences for the SECuRe Manager job, covering the needs of companies, by the creation of an innovative VET course. Implement/test during short-term trainings & demo trainings the learning content & learning materials developed.<< Objectives >>The general idea of the proposed project is the creation of a new Vocational Educational Course & a corresponding Professional Skill/Competency profile, in line with ECVET, that will enable professional staff in a private and/or a public body & VET teachers, to become a certified SECuRe Managers (or specialized Trainer), able to either shape/establish a complete department focusing on sustainability strategy, reporting & related activities. The project will focus in developing knowledge, competences & strengthen key skills contributing to SECuRe education & promote open & innovative practices in the digital age, efficient use of Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) in education, improving their teaching capacity through a creativity training program. The objectives are: - Develop partnerships amongst educators, businesses & stakeholders with the purpose of supporting VET learners in acquiring & developing skills & key competences in sustainability, CSR/financial data & SDGs reporting & foster employability. - Introduce open education & innovative digital practices & make education available for all & facilitate new learning methods, by development of a new e-Learning platform developed to assist the integration of sustainability issues through companies’ activities & manpower. - Facilitation of the recognition & validation of competences for the SECuRe Manager job, covering the needs of companies, by the creation of an innovative VET Course including gamification aspects - Implement/testing during short-term trainings & demo trainings the learning content & learning materials developed.<< Implementation >>The consortium will introduce a project management approach that will be based on the principles of Adaptive Project Framework concept. The key activities will be broken into four main areas: the initiation (starting the project on the right foot), the Intellectual Output/phases boundaries (commitment of resources), ad hoc direction (monitoring progress, providing advice & guidance, reacting to exception situations) & project closure (confirming the project outcome & controlled close). In order to achieve the timely & qualitative completion of the project, a coherent management approach, techniques & tools for managers to administrate, monitor & control the project resources, will be utilized. All partners will be involved in the delivery of intellectual outputs, they will be achieved by caring on activities according to the Work Plan & by applying specific methodologies & methods. The sequence of the activities follows a logical approach until the achievement of the final outcomes of the project. Those are connected to the main intellectual outputs as follows: The SECuRe Knowledge Repository (KR). Knowledge repositories help learners to connect with information & expertise globally via online searchable libraries, by providing a central location to collect, contribute & share digital learning resources for use. We will try to organise this collection by topics, so participants will have facile access to tailored information. The KR architecture will allow further enclosure by all partners of new released information, which is continuously developing in this area. Moreover, VET Teachers will be able to consult an open education resource in order to prepare for further courses, & stay updated to novelties. Development of the SECuRe VET Course; focusing on: Elaboration of the professional job profile for SECuRe Manager – according to the levels defined in the EQF job profile level, meaning a solid & realistic base for the training program development, which is explained in the project outcome 2. The Learning Outcomes will be structured in accordance with the standards outlined according to EQF) & ECVET. Development of SECuRe ICT elements: website & e-Learning platform. The ICT support tools are going to be developed simultaneously based on the elaborated content & will be tested in different phases of the project, the train the trainers course, the demo training & finally within the experimental online training. SECuRe Demo training of the draft course, all partners will undertake the following activities: (a) information, organizations & commitment of the target groups to participate in the demo training. (b) performance of the demo training in all countries (c) collecting feedback (d) summarizing feedback for further improvement of the course. Demo training will be performed in all countries, with the participation of all partners & the feedback shared among them with the final purpose to improve the course. SECuREOnline experimental course, the foreseen activities refer to preparing the content & make it ready for moving online, incorporation of interactivity in the content & conduction of the experimental Online Training. Project dissemination. Outputs: Communication & Dissemination Plan, common info tools developed to communicate results. According to the strategy, partners will have clear tasks & a timeframe to complete them. Five multiplier events are foreseen in all participating countries & are planned in systematic manner to disseminate the intellectual outputs & involve stakeholders at key steps of the project. Those will have the aim to involve the local stakeholders. Representation from all stakeholders is necessary in order to ensure that all interests are reflected in the course. A quality plan will be developed which includes qualitive and with it quantative measures in every activity.<< Results >>The foreseen results of the project are: - Development of the SECuRe Knowledge Repository - Development of the SECuRe VET COURSE prepared for certification in line with the European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System (ECVET) framework, - The course will be offered as a Free Open Educational Resource & will be accessible on the SECuRe e-Learning platform during the project lifetime & afterwards. By using modern, digital technologies & tools & software, the course aims at offering work-based learning & training to the companies’ staff, motivating & maximizing enjoyment & engagement of the staff to a “greener” & more sustainable behavior, meant to improve a company’s sustainability performance. Application of work based learning of SECuRe VET course within five pilot demos meant to collect feedback to be used to improve the Course. Massive online experimental online course for final validation of the SECuRe Educational Programme - SECuRe project is expected to have a significant impact on partners’ organizations, VET providers & institutions, consultants & professionals from any economic sector, & other relevant stakeholders that will be involved throughout the project lifetime & beyond. It is worth noting how the project will have an important impact in changing daily functions of enterprises, through the new role of certified staff/managers/trainers in SECuRe VET Course, & therefore, transforming, reshaping & reducing companies & organizations carbon footprint & environmental & social impacts.

<< Background >>Waste was defined by Directive 2008/98/EC [1] Article 3(1) as ‘any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard’, potentially represents an enormous loss of resources in the form of both materials and energy. In addition, traditional management and disposal of waste, as landfill or incineration, can have serious environmental aspects.During 2018 [2], 5.2 tones of waste were generated per EU-27 inhabitant. Almost 40% of this 5.2 tonnes were landfilled while 38% were recycledThis waste came mainly from:-Construction (36%)-Mining and quarrying (26%)-Manufacturing (10%)If we exclude construction and mining and quarrying due to their major mineral waste nature [3], manufacturing is the top waste generation activity among EU-27. According to some impact assessment studies [4], recycling 10.000 tonnes of waste creates 240 jobs, while incineration creates 20 to 40 jobs and landfill about 10. EU waste management policies aim to reduce the environmental and health impacts of waste and improve Europe’s resource efficiency. The long-term goal is to turn Europe into a recycling society, avoiding waste and using unavoidable waste as a resource where possible. The aim is to achieve much higher levels of recycling and to minimise the extraction of additional natural resources. Proper waste management is a key element in ensuring resource efficiency and the sustainable growth of European economies. According to the EU 7th Environment Action Programme [5] the priority objectives for waste policy were:-Reduce the amount of waste generated;-Maximise recycling and re-use;-Limit incineration to non-recyclable materials;-Phase out landfilling to non-recyclable and non-recoverable waste; and-Ensure full implementation of the waste policy targets in all EU Member States.In this sense, manufacturing sector has the proper methodologies and the proper technology to have a better performance in their waste management, with the objective of zero waste production and circular economy. The methodologies, or software are Circular Economy and Lean Robotics Methodology, while the technology, or hardware is Collaborative Robotics. The urgency of addressing skill gaps is clear across industries, and more important than ever to doCROCEMS will perform the following activities:-Comparative analyses, questionnaires, real life study cases and a report on the potential evolution of Collaborative Robotics within Circular Economy processes.-Development of an Educational Philosophy and Joint Curriculum related to the target groups’ needs. It will be the basis for the development of knowledge, skills and competences included in the learning content.-Development of interactive training materials and assessment methods.-5 transnational meetings and 5 multiplier events (1 per partner)-The development of a Blueprint and the implementation of its action plan-Management and implementation tasks, Quality & Risk Management tasks, Sharing and Promotion activities.The final purpose of the project is to deliver a comprehensive training course on how to apply Collaborative Robotics to Circular Economy processes (sensor planning system for vision, reusable piece-recognition, or disassembly of valuable materials) in order to boost the most effective waste management in European Manufacturing Sectors, helping to reduce its impact while creating job positions, enabling new manufacturing processes, business models and industrial symbiosis.[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008L0098 [2] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/DDN-20200318-1#:~:text=In%20the%20European%20Union%20(EU,in%20the%20EU%20in%202018. [3] https://discardstudies.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/keeling-mineral-waste-enc-consumption-and-waste.pdf [4] Martin, I. (2006) Europe en route to a recycling society. Recycling International. pp38-43[5] https://ec.europa.eu/environment/action-programme/<< Objectives >>The results that will be developed during CROCEMS are the following:-Five Intellectual Outputs-A set of European case studies and interviews concerning the adequation of Collaborative Robotics for waste management and circular economy. Current knowledge, skills and qualifications needs-An Educational Philosophy and a Joint Curriculum corresponding to the manufacturing sectors needs as defined in the mentioned case studies, focused to automate waste management and improve awareness and circular business models through EU by the installation of cobots and the application of the Lean Robotics Methodology-Training content addressing the following topics; a) design of differnt robot modules and behaviours to address production needs, b) cobots integration in the assembly line, c) product development cycle, d) Lean Robotics Methodology and e) Circular Business Models and e-waste management-A Collaborative Platform where all the content produced will be integrated and a Pilot Action, where target users will handle, check and assess training content. All the developed training materials will be available on the platform-A Blueprint for the sustainability of manufacturing sectors and the implementation of waste management-The arrangement of 5 transnational meetings and 5 multiplier events (one per partner)All these results are fully detailed in the Project Management and Implementation section. As well as these outputs, other results are planned during the project life and after the end of the projectCROCEMS will conceive, check and carry out an innovative educational programme for manufacturing sectors' workers, especially waste managers, production managers and assembly line managers. It will foster the implementation of waste management into manufacturing sectors' companies by using pedagogical methods following the learning outcomes approach. Assuming different results:-Reinforce European worforce by installation of cobots-Upskilling manufacturing sectors managers and workers in the fields of waste management, product deployment cycle (dismantling, separation of materials and elimination of waste), automation, assembly line balance, design of robots' behaviour-Create awareness within manufacturing sectors of the profiles of ZeroWaste & CircularEconomy Manager and ZW&CE Technician-Promotion of the use of open and online blended work-based and multi-disciplinary learning through:-The implication of Universities, VET organisations, sectoral associations and representatives of manufacturing sectors in the development of a multi-disciplinary training content-Free delivery of training through an open collaborative platform-Arrangement of pilot action involving target groups-The Blueprint will play a key role raising awareness among policy makers, manufacturing sectors’ companies and the educational community in making manufacturing sectors more sustainable and automatised through robotics installation and waste management-The multiplier events and all promotional actions will help to widely spread the results. Sharing outcomes beyond the partnership will enable a wider audience to benefit the work funded by Erasmus+Besides, CROCEMS will produce:-Collaboration among entities and experts from different nationalities with a common goal-European Standardisation of ISO-TS 15066 (cobots) and series ISO 59000 related to Circular Economy. Also its adaptation concerning the upcoming changes on the Technical Committees 299 and 323-A wide network of different actors from manufacturing sectors such as human resources manager, assembly line managers, waste managers and automation and maintenance technicians-Promotion of creativity for developing design solutions for waste management concerning product dismantling, recovery and reuse, separation of materials and elimination of waste-Provide circular economy hardware (cobots) and software (skills, expertise, methodologies and business models)<< Implementation >>The Project consists of 4 different stagesPLANNINGSince February 2021, the partners CETEM and HKA identified potential synergies during the development of TOURINGS project, coordinated by HKA. These synergies were concerning the use of Collaborative Robotics not just to increase the competitiveness of the production of European Manufacturing Sectors but also to improve their sustainability by avoiding defects on production line, avoiding extra processing to meet customer’s standards or avoiding overproduction. Besides, Collaborative Robotics would be of great relevance used as tool to perform the recycling of pieces and materials, freeing the worker from these repetitive tasks. During this Planning stage, both HKA and CETEM were looking at the most updated literature to map the state of art and be able to know the potential of the use of Collaborative Robotics for the performance of waste management and a significant role on Circular Business ModelsPREPARATIONOnce the Erasmus+ KA202 Call was open, CETEM and HKA were working on TOURINGS but also looking at Foresight Methods, following CEDEFOP guidelines with the aim on extracting Labour Market & Skills Intelligence needed for the new context of manufacturing sectors, to anticipate the labour market needs and contribute to reshape the HR strategic policies. It was of great support for the work programme development and confirmation of target groups. This stage was of great relevance by finding the most suitable partners to carry out this project. Then, CETEM and HKA identified experienced partners as the most suitable to join CROCEMS initiative; FONTYS, ATMOTERM and DEUSTOIMPLEMENTATIONDuring Implementation, it is key for the project development to develop:-Cooperation Agreement among all the Partners-Quality Assurance & Risk Management Plan to monitor the upcoming 36 months and beyond-Promotion Plan for the upcoming 36 months and beyondThe activities to be implemented will be:-5 Project Results.-A set of European case studies and interviews will serve to extract LMSI (Labour Market and Skills Intelligence) to map the different applications and potential uses of cobots addressed to waste management-An Educational Philosophy and a Joint Curriculum corresponding to the manufacturing sectors needs in terms of sustainability, waste management automation and circular business models-Interactive Training Content (6 modules)Collaborative Robotics Basics. Modular Design & BehaviourSustainability & Circular Economy in Manufacturing SectorsLean Robotics MethodologyCircular Business Models for Waste ManagementCircular Strategy Mapping & Value Network for Waste ManagementProduct Development Cycle & Ecodesign -A Collaborative Platform where all the content produced will be integrated and a Pilot Action, where target users will handle, check and assess training content-A Blueprint for the sustainability of manufacturing sectors and the implementation of automated waste management -Arrangement of 5 transnational meetings and 5 multiplier events (one per partner)FOLLOW-UPEnvironmental sustainability, digital transformation, employment and economic stability and growth are the main aspects were CROCEMS wants to focus. The aim is to trigger modernisation and reinforce the response of education and training systems and policies to nowadays main challengesCROCEMS Results will be available 5 years after the project’s lifecycle with the aim of:-Increase quality of education and training for all-Better align the needs and opportunities offered by the the labour market-Improve provision and assessment of basic and transversal skills, with special focus on LMSI-Increase synergies and improve transition between education, training and manufacturing companies-Reinforce interaction between practice, research and policies-Increase use of learning outcomes-Increase motivation for language learning though skills required by labour market<< Results >>CROCEMS’ main aim is to support SMEs and workers from manufacturing sectors to be able to understand the functioning of Collaborative Robotics and the relevance and impact that these could have in waste management tasks. This automation of the waste management will allow managers and designers to think on how to take advantage of the waste management, for example, re-thinking the manufacturing processes, re-designing some of the products, arranging industrial symbiosis processes or establishing circular business models. The aim of CROCEMS is to deliver the proper training according to Labour Market needs, so it is going to update and foster current training offer through this new programmeCROCEMS project will achieve the following results: -A comprehensive report on the European situation of manufacturing companies concerning waste management. This document will be the basis of all the previous activities and could be used both for manufacturing companies to broaden their knowledge and for robot suppliers in order to design different ‘demos’ that could support manufacturing companies on waste management-A Joint Curriculum and Educational Philosophy based on skills needs required by waste management on manufacturing sectors. Special emphasis will be put on Labour Market Skills Intelligence-An interactive and ground-breaking training approach in order to take advantage of the needed automation of European manufacturing sectors to implement proper waste management and even circular business models and industrial symbiosis-An innovative Learning Management System with interactive H5P videos along as reading materials, different papers and link to be able ‘to go beyond’ in terms of knowledgeOther outcomes that will be developed in the framework of CROCEMS are:-4 verification activities in order to validate and ensure the quality of main project results (PR1 validation, PR2 validation, Pilot Action and PR5 Validation)-5 multiplier events and stakeholders’ workshops to promote project results-5 transnational project meetings, with the possibility of being presential or online, where all the consortium partners and stakeholders will have the change of sharing their knowledge and insights on project development-Scientific paper, at least one, that will be published in an open access journal or congress publication-Promotional Resources, such as website, infographics, videos, brochures and newletters-A community of practice on EPALE, focus on how to boost twin transition by VET practices-Integration of CROCEMS training course into ALLVIEW and KATAPULT platforms for Vocational Education and TrainingMoreover, CROCEMS will also look to achieve the following additional outcomes during the project lifespan and after this period-A prolific collaboration among education, innovation and research from different backgrounds, profiles and geographies. It would help organisations to exchange knowledge and experiences addressed to the needs of the current situation in the labour market-Strengthening the collaboration and the relationships between educational community, and the labour market-A contribution to engage SMEs and other stakeholders in a European discussion towards waste management, circular business models and process automation to give them the roles of Actors of Change by delivering the skills and knowledge to make the business overall, and its individual employees, future-ready-A recognition of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will foster the use of robotics in Europe. The basic knowledge on Collaborative Robotics could go further by adding multiple equipment as tools, or axes, turning the Collaborative Robotics into a complete Robotic System. Moreover, this could foster the use of automation and Artificial Intelligence, putting Europe in the lead of the Digital Singularity.