Implementation of the principles of closed-loop economics in training courses on the design of petrochemical plants
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Abstract
The modern petrochemical industry is facing unprecedented challenges related to the depletion of natural resources, stricter environmental standards and the growing demand for sustainable development. The integration of the principles of closed-loop economics into educational programs for the design of petrochemical plants is an innovative approach to the formation of a new generation of specialists. This study is aimed at developing and evaluating a comprehensive methodology for the transformation of existing training courses through the prism of circular economy. The research methodology includes a systematic analysis of current educational practices at 42 leading technical universities, expert interviews with 87 representatives of the academic community and industry, as well as experimental implementation of modified training modules with subsequent evaluation of the results. The developed integrative model for the transformation of educational programs demonstrates an increase in the effectiveness of students' assimilation of the principles of sustainable design by 34,2% and an increase in the practical application of circular solutions in course projects by 41,7%. A significant result is the created taxonomy of competencies for a design engineer of a new type of petrochemical production, focused on closed production cycles. The research lays the theoretical and methodological foundation for a systematic review of engineering education in the petrochemical industry and offers practical tools for the implementation of the principles of circular economy in the educational process.
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