jordan pulse -

Efforts to accelerate Aqaba’s transition toward a circular economy were reinforced through a virtual workshop held under the project "Catalyzing a Transformative Model for Circularity through 9R’s in Aqaba."

The workshop, titled "Circular Economy in Aqaba: Understanding Research and Its Impact," brought together experts, academics, and industry professionals to explore how scientific research can play a more influential role in shaping sustainable economic practices.

The workshop was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in partnership with the Jordanian Society for Scientific Research, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity, and with support from the European Union.

Discussions focused on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world implementation, with participants emphasizing the importance of aligning research outcomes with public policies and industrial needs to support Jordan’s broader sustainable development agenda.

A central theme of the workshop was the "9Rs" model, which promotes a comprehensive approach to resource efficiency. The framework encourages practices such as reuse, recycling, recovery, redesign, and remanufacturing, alongside rethinking consumption patterns to reduce waste and environmental impact, key priorities for building a more sustainable and resilient economy in Aqaba.

Speakers shared practical insights and case studies demonstrating how research can be translated into actionable solutions. Topics included strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, integrating research into policymaking, and applying innovative approaches such as greywater reuse in institutional settings. The role of research tools and data in shaping long-term sustainability strategies was also highlighted.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants stressed the importance of expanding support for applied research and deepening partnerships between academic and industrial sectors. They called for scaling up similar initiatives across key industries to ensure that research-driven solutions contribute effectively to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national competitiveness.

//Petra// WH