Introduction

The significance of the life cycle perspective has grown substantially within both industry and society at large. Political instruments and customer demand increasingly emphasize the role of life cycle thinking in driving the transition towards a more sustainable consumption and production system. This project builds upon previous efforts to identify the competence required by industry to meet these rising demands, ensuring a leading role in a sustainable society. Unlike the initial study, this project will also involve Swedish national authorities, as they will often oversee the implementation of upcoming legislative requirements.

Aim & Objectives

This project aims to deepen our understanding of the competence needs in relation to life cycle thinking, particularly focusing on forthcoming legal requirements, within both industry and national authorities.

Objectives

1. To gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s crucial competencies needed to manage legal requirements regarding life cycle information.
2. To comprehend the expertise required by Swedish authorities for the implementation of policies based on the life cycle perspective and LCA

Expected Outcomes

1. Compilation of strategies employed by companies and authorities in anticipation of forthcoming legal requirements, along with an assessment of the competences needed to meet these requirements in the next ten years.
2. Publication of a scientific paper highlighting the competence requirements related to life cycle thinking that society will face in the coming decade.
3. Discussion of preliminary results within Swedish Life Cycle Center’s academic and authority dialogue groups, in preparation for webinars and further dissemination of findings.
4. Hosting a webinar to present and discuss the project’s results.

Method

This project leverages the extensive experience of partners and collaborating organizations within the Swedish Life Cycle Center and its network, which have long operated from a life cycle perspective. A survey-based assessment will be conducted, supplemented by in-depth interviews and dialogues within working groups at the Center. This will provide a comprehensive view of how industry and authorities are gearing up for impending legislation and the associated competence needs.