UNESCO Chair on Green Innovation and Circular Economy
UNESCO Chair on Green innovation and Circular Economy
The UNESCO Chair on Green Innovation and Circular Economy constitutes an evolution of the Environmental Economics and Sustainability Research Unit (ESU) of National Technical University of Athens. The Chair deals with research, training and knowledge dissemination related to green innovation and circular economy with a specific focus on their application in business planning and how this can contribute to a more sustainable development of the economy. It places special emphasis on applied research on environmental issues and how through business planning, applicable solutions can emerge that will contribute to sustainable economic development
Our Vision and Mission
The Chair’s vision focuses on a future-oriented society, driven by sustainability, circular economy and green innovation.
The Chair’s mission is to promote an integrated system of research, education and documentation in its subject, but also to participate in international actions, such as research, conferences and programmes.
Chair's activities
Undergraduate Classes
Classes taught at the School of Mechanical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens.
Postgraduate Classes
Classes taught in the Inter-Institutional Interdepartmental Graduate Programme in Business Administration – Athens MBA, co-organized by the National Technical University of Athens and the Athens University of Economics and Business.
Training Programmes
Specialized training programs, such as life-long learning programmes, with to focus on both theory and application.
Applied Research – Studies
Applied research is an essential tool for the effective transition to a circular economy and for environmental protection, apart from policy making and legislation.
Research Programmes Partnerships
Partnerships increase the lease of knowledge, expertise and resources available, leading better results.
Consulting Services
Private and public bodies consultation on a wide range of environmental and techno-economic issues.
Conferences
National and International conferences with the aim of disseminating research results and highlighting good practices.
Greentech Challenge by ESU NTUA
Greece’s leading national innovation programme on entrepreneurship and green innovation.
Research Scope
The Chair covers a wide range of knowledge, mainly around environmental issues. This range can be categorized into four main categories
Circular Economy
The transformation to a circular economy is now a one-way street, according to the European Union
Green Innovation
For a successful transition to a sustainable development model, innovation is essential, as stated in the European Circular Economy Action Plan
Techno-economic Evaluation
Economic, social, environmental and technological criteria are always to be taken into consideration
Environmental Planning
Environmental planning needs to take into account all the variables and factors from the natural or man-made environment
Konstantinos Aravossis, Professor
Our Impact towards Innovation
Our goal is to unleash the entrepreneurial potential within our academic community, transforming applied research into tangible solutions. By providing the necessary support and resources, we empower talented individuals to create spinouts that address directly environmental challenges. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a greener future, we aim to drive positive change and make a lasting impact. Our two spinouts Mantis Beyond Innovation and Someyea are here to prove that.
