Keynote speech on the eternally innovative product in the circular economy

Keynote Speech:
Used yet like new – the eternally innovative product in the circular economy

How can we create prosperity without consuming more and more resources? What does it take, technically and economically, to achieve the "eternally innovative product"? 

On Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6 p.m., Prof. Dr. Sven Matthiesen (co-spokesperson for Collaborative Research Center 1574 "Recycling Factory for the Eternally Innovative Product" and director of the IPEK - Institute for Product Development at KIT) will provide insights into current challenges in the circular economy and show ways in which the production of the future can be made sustainable and competitive. 

New, innovative economic systems are needed to decouple resource consumption from prosperity. The traditional linear "take-make-use-dispose" approach is not sustainable in the long term, and political conditions are also making sustainable and circular production patterns increasingly inevitable. The Collaborative Research Center 1574 "Circular Factory for the Eternally Innovative Product" pursues the goal of integrated production that combines linear and circular processes on an industrial scale. The aim is to systematically transfer used products into current product generations, a central step on the way to the vision of the "eternally innovative product."

In order to implement this transformation, far-reaching interdisciplinary issues must be resolved, covering areas such as production engineering, product development, materials engineering, ergonomics, robotics, computer science, and knowledge modeling.

Accompanied by a standing reception Following the keynote speech, a Forum with various exhibitors the opportunity to engage in direct dialogue. Research projects, associations, and initiatives from Karlsruhe and the surrounding region present their work on sustainable circular economy. 

Admission is free and anyone interested is welcome to attend without registering.


About the Spring Academy Sustainability 2026:

The Spring Academy for Sustainability at KIT will focus on the topic of circular economy from March 23 to 26, 2026. 
The project week is organized by the Studium Generale. Forum Science and Society (FORUM) in cooperation with the interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1574 "Circular Factory for the Eternally Innovative Product" at KIT. In addition, the Spring Academy is a 10th anniversary event for the Eucor EGTCA public keynote speech, the Sustainability Forum with discussions in a relaxed trade fair atmosphere, a variety of parallel workshops and excursions, and a concluding panel discussion give students the opportunity to learn about and actively participate in current issues.