Developing the circular digital competencies for tomorrow
“How do we develop the competencies and business models that future-proof businesses in a strategic, sustainable and effective way for Danish Lifestyle & Design SMEs?”
Client: VIA University College
Consultant on this assignment: Mikkel Pilgaard
Assignment
Our invitation was to act as the main subject matter expert throughout this business development programme, financed through the EU, driven by Lifestyle & Design Cluster and delivered by VIA University College. During two years we had two cohorts of Danish Lifestyle & Design Cluster SMEs participating in the programme. Our task was to ensure a high level of theoretical and methodological content in line with science and a systemic and strategic approach. Thus enabling participants to work with the complex subject most solidly and effectively.
Solution
The way we approached this responsibility was to establish a strong collaborative relationship with VIA University College and Lifestyle & Design Cluster, where our complimentary contributions and deliverables were made clear.
Delivering on the task involved a co-creation process, where we participated in the curation of and design of the program as well as contributed to the execution of the program itself through process facilitation, educational inputs, as well as advice and coaching to the individual business. We even went so far as to engage with advice to the board of certain businesses and in some, we delivered sustainability analyses, in the form of qualitative and strategic life cycle assessments (LCAs), which informed product development, strategy and business models. A clear element to all deliverables was the integration of the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) into the programme, along with Design for Sustainability methods and Systemic Change Management approaches.
Result
The outcome has been that twenty Danish SMEs have come out well-equipped for the future, positioned much stronger in the market with concrete product and business model improvements along with a plan or at least a qualified direction for how to transition all the way to true sustainability. Most already defined and started implementing circular solutions to drive them there and experienced a change in their business during the program that yielded a more positive impact and greater market demand - even during the program. Many employees were very engaged and motivated by the subject matter and the change in purpose and product that the program led to. Some businesses really found their way and completely changed their outlook, business model and strategy.
Testimonial
“As part of the project "Circular Digital Competencies of Tomorrow (CDK)", we have had the pleasure of working with Mikkel, whose contribution to this EU-funded initiative, run by Lifestyle & Design Cluster in collaboration with VIA University College, has been invaluable. Through his role as a consistent and overarching subject matter expert on strategic sustainable development, he has acted as a process designer, teacher, business coach and facilitator throughout the process and assisted all the participating companies. Some more in-depth than others.
In doing so, Mikkel has demonstrated extraordinary professional skills and a level that consistently exceeded our expectations. With his strategic and long-term perspective, Mikkel has managed to engage boards, senior management and key employees while enabling short-term gains by focusing on operational solutions and methods at all levels of the organization. His clear communication about the role and mission of leadership in the company's green transformation has been a cornerstone of our progress.
During the two years of working with 20 different companies, Mikkel has shown an impressive overview and ability to think holistically. He deeply understands how different aspects of sustainability are interconnected, ranging from the political, regulatory, scientific and economic domains. Including the relationship between private and public organizations and even the role of citizens and consumers in this cross-sectoral and complex societal task.
Mikkel's solutions have ranged from understanding the reduction of CO2 emissions and the use of circular materials to the correct application of life cycle assessment (LCA) and communication of sustainability initiatives. He has provided concrete, evidence-based and effective tools and approaches for all of it. Thus, he has been a key player in supporting the development of sustainable business models, promoting reuse and recycling and designing transition strategies in the participating companies.
In addition, he has had a significant impact on organizational development, including education and training of managers and employees. Thus, he has also ensured an overall competence boost around sustainability in general, but in particular how to work with it in an evidence-based, strategic and design-oriented way.
Mikkel's ambition and in-depth knowledge of the challenges we face - both in terms of maintaining and improving competitiveness and creating a regenerative planet with abundant resources for all - has been inspiring. Including the difficult ethical and existential perspectives. He has shown concretely and practically how companies can begin their green transition and evolve towards a more sustainable future. Also in ways that are compatible with good corporate practice and better business. Always solution-oriented.
Mikkel's contribution to the project "Circular Digital Skills of Tomorrow" has not only been remarkable in terms of results achieved, but also in the way he has managed to inspire and mobilize people and organizations across different sectors. His passion and dedication to the field shines through. We are deeply grateful for Mikkel's efforts and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a skilled advisor and educator with a holistic understanding of the many facets of sustainability."
Flemming Bentzen
CDK project manager and teacher
VIA University College