Simulations for sustainable participation: approaches to the circular economy in the SDG+ Lab Kassel

As part of the SDG+ Lab at the University of Kassel, the ‘Labour and Economy’ theme year offers the opportunity to test innovative approaches to promoting sustainable development. The SDG+ Lab serves as a transdisciplinary platform to bring together science, business and society and jointly develop solution strategies. The aim is to translate the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into concrete regional approaches through practice-oriented research and knowledge exchange.

This research project therefore centres on the question of how simulation tools such as simulation games can contribute to the development of a systemic understanding and the promotion of participatory processes in urban planning - with a focus on circular economy and structural change. The project builds on the assumption that participatory transformation processes can only be designed effectively if citizens acquire a basic knowledge of the functioning of social, ecological and economic systems. The SDG+ Lab creates the framework for developing and testing innovative learning formats in a practical way.

Interactive learning space in Kassel city centre

During the project year, various interactive events and experiments will be carried out in which participants from Kassel will playfully learn about the complex interactions of sustainable urban development using selected tools. The project pursues the central goal of analysing the potential of simulation tools as innovative learning tools that promote systemic thinking and identify action strategies for sustainable development as well as promoting dialogue between different local actors.

Further information on the theme year can be found here.