K. (Karsten) Cramer
PhD Researcher in Vocational Education & Training for the Circular Economyhe/him
E-mail:
karsten.cramer rug.nl
Expertise
Research focus
My research focuses on circular economy-related educational innovation and skills development. I am currently one of two doctoral researchers in Europe investigating these topics within the RECEBA project (https://circulareconomyskills.eu/), an Erasmus+ project with partners in Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain that aims to support the circular economy transition and regional business acceleration through vocational education and training (VET). Key topics I am exploring include:
– Pedagogical innovation to facilitate circular economy-related VET programs
– Enablers, barriers, and mechanisms for co-design of circular economy-related VET programs
– Opportunities for challenge-based learning for circular economy competency development
– Impact of regional contexts on adoption and scalability of circular economy-related VET programs
Background
Prior to my current role, I completed my MSc in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (cum laude) at the University of Groningen - Campus Fryslân. My master's thesis focused on investigating which design principles for continuing professional development training support the transfer of circular economy knowledge and skills into organizational practice in the Dutch construction sector. In addition, I hold a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University in Canada. Complementing my academic experience, I also have extensive professional experience in marketing, market research, and editorial work gained from roles in Singapore and Canada.
My research focuses on circular economy-related educational innovation and skills development. I am currently one of two doctoral researchers in Europe investigating these topics within the RECEBA project (https://circulareconomyskills.eu/), an Erasmus+ project with partners in Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain that aims to support the circular economy transition and regional business acceleration through vocational education and training (VET). Key topics I am exploring include:
– Pedagogical innovation to facilitate circular economy-related VET programs
– Enablers, barriers, and mechanisms for co-design of circular economy-related VET programs
– Opportunities for challenge-based learning for circular economy competency development
– Impact of regional contexts on adoption and scalability of circular economy-related VET programs
Background
Prior to my current role, I completed my MSc in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (cum laude) at the University of Groningen - Campus Fryslân. My master's thesis focused on investigating which design principles for continuing professional development training support the transfer of circular economy knowledge and skills into organizational practice in the Dutch construction sector. In addition, I hold a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University in Canada. Complementing my academic experience, I also have extensive professional experience in marketing, market research, and editorial work gained from roles in Singapore and Canada.
Last modified:20 October 2026 11.15 p.m.