The Circular Transition Academy is a training programme that challenges and supports civil servants to actively contribute to the circular transition. In the Academy, participants not only gain substantive knowledge about the circular economy, transition studies and public administration, but also work on a personal case that is directly linked to their daily practice.
Context
Many municipal employees involved in a (sustainability) transition experience barriers and obstacles, both systemic and personal. This is because transition issues are often much more complex than the average project or assignment they work on. As a result, they are confronted not only with their own beliefs, but also with those of others. This leads many civil servants to wonder: why am I not able to truly create movement?
The transition to a circular economy requires more than substantive knowledge alone. It demands courage — the ability to have the right conversations and involve crucial stakeholders at the right moment. Based on this understanding, the Circular Transition Academy was developed.
The question
Organize a training programme that provides employees of the Municipality of Almere with the knowledge and practical tools they need to (further) engage with the circular transition.
Current situation and future
The municipality would like a training programme for civil servants that provides depth on both the substantive aspects of the circular transition and the public‑administration theory underlying it. In addition, the municipality wants to give its employees the space to work on a practical case during the training, allowing the knowledge they gain to be applied immediately in practice.
The process
The programme consists of four sessions. The first two sessions focus on the theory and foundations of the circular economy and transition studies. The second day is centred on the concept of the ‘Transformative Government’ and is delivered by Rik Braams. Sessions three and four dive deeper into the participants’ (personal) casework. These sessions cover topics such as:
Participants’ personal drivers and preferred working styles;
Identifying and influencing stakeholders;
Persuading by asking the right questions;
Dealing with common objections (e.g. ‘This is taxpayers’ money’, ‘Nobody wants this’);
Expanding a business case into a value case;
Creating societal, administrative or political space.
These topics are not only addressed theoretically but are immediately practised through various learning formats, including debates, role‑plays and a pitch to the municipal council.
The results
The Circular Transition Academy was followed with great enthusiasm by the participants and was therefore a success. The participants gained substantial knowledge, inspiration, and practical tools to help them address the challenges associated with the circular transition.
“Thanks to the training provided by Copper8, we have gained valuable new insights in Almere about what we as civil servants can truly contribute to this transition. In particular, the use of a personal case in the training offers participants real added value. It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated organization to help us achieve our goals.”
Are you ready to do good? For now and for the future
Together we build a future that matters. We make choices that work today and remain valuable tomorrow. We create structures that can withstand change. Because real progress begins with vision and courage
