KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER IN UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY RESEARCH COLLABORATION FOR EXTENDING LIFE CYCLE OF MATERIALS IN THE CONTEXT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY

This paper addresses the direct transfer of knowledge from university to manufacturing industrial sector, providing solutions to transform production/manufacturing waste into resources and closing loops in the process according to circular economy values. For this purpose, eco-innovation and eco-design were selected and discussed in order to be applied as tools to support knowledge transfer in the context of circular economy. These tools are focused on the re-design of process and products founded on in-plant reuse of production waste, followed by Life Cycle Assessment of economic and environmental impacts. Our results emerged in the form of new knowledge for both researchers and users, original publications, new and improved technologies, processes, materials which enhanced skills, experience and know-how. The present study may be helpful in generating systematic policies and monitoring procedures through specific indicators for the benefit of partners involved in knowledge transfer and society as a whole.