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Learning through Play: A Serious Game as a Tool to Support Circular Economy Education and Business Model Innovation

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  • Saskia Manshoven

    (Unit Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO NV, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium)

  • Jeroen Gillabel

    (Unit Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO NV, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium)

Abstract

Despite the increasing attention on circular economy at the policy level, the implementation of circular business models in companies is still limited. Many companies are put off by the apparent complexity to translate the general concepts of a circular economy into their business practice. This paper presents the development and testing of a simulation board game that aimed to address this gap between theory and business practice. The board game, Risk&RACE, was developed with the purpose of enabling students and business executives to experiment with circular economy business models. The gameplay was tested with 120 users, and cognitive learning outcomes as well as learning dynamics were assessed using a survey. The results of the game workshops demonstrated that the game advanced the participants’ awareness of the need for a circular economy, their understanding of basic circular economy principles, and their insight in opportunities and challenges of circular business models at the company level. When reflecting on the game as a learning tool, players highlighted its engaging and realistic nature and praised how it stimulated strategic thinking. Complementing the gameplay with a debriefing discussion afterwards encouraged players to reflect upon their newly gained insights, deepening their learning experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Saskia Manshoven & Jeroen Gillabel, 2021. "Learning through Play: A Serious Game as a Tool to Support Circular Economy Education and Business Model Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:13277-:d:691993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Damjan Krajnc & Darko Kovačič & Eva Žunec & Kristijan Brglez & Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, 2022. "Youth Awareness and Attitudes towards a Circular Economy to Achieve the Green Deal Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-25, September.
    2. Sandra Liliana Navarro-Parra & Andrés Chiappe, 2024. "Simulated Learning Environments as an Interdisciplinary Option for Vocational Training: A Systematic Review," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 55(2), pages 135-158, April.
    3. Salih Çevikarslan & Carsten Gelhard & Jörg Henseler, 2022. "Improving the Material and Financial Circularity of the Plastic Packaging Value Chain in The Netherlands: Challenges, Opportunities, and Implications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-23, June.
    4. Jingyuan Fu & Meng Sun & Minhong Wang, 2022. "Simulation-Assisted Learning about a Complex Economic System: Impact on Low- and High-Achieving Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Alexander Vélez & Rebeca Kerstin Alonso & Markel Rico-González, 2023. "Business Simulation Games for the Development of Intrinsic Motivation-Boosting Sustainability: Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-20, October.

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