WORKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: CONCEPTS AND APPROACHES

The aim of this course is to give students insight about certification and about what it means to certify/self-assess safety- critical systems with focus on software system and to create a safety case, including a multi-concern perspective when needed and reuse opportunities, when appropriate.

The course is part of the programme MAISTR (hh.se/maistr) where participants can take the entire programme or individual courses. The course is for professionals and is held online in English. Application is open as long as there is a possibility of admission. The courses qualify for credits and are free of charge for participants who are citizens of any EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, or are permanent residents in Sweden. More information can be found at antagning.se. About the course Critical design and practical ethics for AI, 3 credits Who is this course for? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being increasingly implemented and used in society today. It has already proven to have an impact on the individual, organization and society, and this impact will most likely only increase. Therefore, it is important to understand the ethical issues that may arise from use of AI, as well as to adopt a critical stance to the technology’s impact. The course introduces critical and ethical issues surrounding data and society, to train the student to problematize and reason about artificial intelligence (AI). You are most likely a designer, innovator, or product manager that works with digital services and products. What will you learn from this course? The course deals with different perspectives on AI and its real and potential effect on organizations and society. The course is based on five different perspectives on AI: accountability, surveillance capitalism, power and bias, sustainability, and trust. The course material consists of recent and relevant literature on the impact of, and critical perspectives on AI. Active discussions founded in different ethical perspectives are also an important part of the course. What is the format of this course? This course is primarily self-paced, with a few synchronous meetings. Most activities are based on the student’s having consumed specified material beforehand, such as video lectures, podcasts, articles, and books. Active discussions, both in online forums and during synchronous meetings, are an important part of the course.

This course looks at where important materials in products we use every day come from and how these materials can be used more efficiently, longer, and in closed loops. This is the aim of the Circular Economy, but it doesn’t happen on its own. It is the result of choices and strategies by suppliers, designers, businesses, policymakers and all of us as consumers. In addition to providing many cases of managing materials for sustainability, the course also teaches skills and tools for analyzing circular business models and promotes development of your own ideas to become more involved in the transition to a Circular Economy. You will learn from expert researchers and practitioners from around Europe as they explain core elements and challenges in the transition to a circular economy over the course of 5 modules: Module 1: Materials. This module explores where materials come from, and builds a rationale for why society needs more circularity. Module 2: Circular Business Models. In this module circular business models are explored in-depth and a range of ways for business to create economic and social value are discussed. Module 3: Circular Design, Innovation and Assessment. This module presents topics like functional materials and eco-design as well as methods to assess environmental impacts. Module 4: Policies and Networks. This module explores the role of governments and networks and how policies and sharing best practices can enable the circular economy. Module 5: Circular Societies. This module examines new norms, forms of engagement, social systems, and institutions, needed by the circular economy and how we, as individuals, can help society become more circular.

How can we work with nature to design and build our cities? This course explores urban nature and nature-based solutions in cities in Europe and around the world. We connect together the key themes of cities, nature, sustainability and innovation. We discuss how to assess what nature-based solutions can achieve in cities. We examine how innovation is taking place in cities in relation to nature. And we analyse the potential of nature-based solutions to help respond to climate change and sustainability challenges. This course was launched in January 2020, and it was updated in September 2021 with new podcasts, films and publications. The course is produced by Lund University in cooperation with partners from Naturvation – a collaborative project on finding synergies between cities, nature, sustainability and innovation. The course features researchers, practitioners and entrepreneurs from a range organisations.   

How can we shape our urban development towards sustainable and prosperous futures? This course explores sustainable cities as engines for greening the economy in Europe and around the world. We place cities in the context of sustainable urban transformation and climate change. We connect the key trends of urbanization, decarbonisation and sustainability. We examine how visions, experiments and innovations can transform urban areas. And we look at practices (what is happening in cities at present) and opportunities (what are the possibilities for cities going forwards into the future). This course was launched in January 2016, and it was updated in September 2021 with new podcasts, films and publications. The course is produced by Lund University in cooperation with WWF and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability who work with creating sustainable cities. The course features researchers, practitioners and entrepreneurs from a range organisations.

Business models that efficiently contribute to reduction of material use and waste are key to successful transition towards sustainability. This course has a particular focus on the interplay between business models, product innovation and production processes. Through this course, you will explore the critical relationship between sustainable practices and business strategies, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to the circular economy and sustainable development initiatives In this course, you will be introduced to systematic working methods for business development in practical contexts, with a specific focus on innovation and creativity. The goal of the course is to provide a deep understanding of the application of various business model practices in different types of development work. The objective is for course participants to enhance their ability to understand and apply business development processes in the manufacturing industry and gain deeper insights into how these processes relate to organizations' innovation and business strategies in order to achieve circular flows, resilience, and sustainability. The teaching consists of self-study using course literature, films, and other materials through an internet-based course platform, as well as scheduled webinars and written reflections. There are no physical meetings; only digital online seminars are included. Study hours 40 hours distributed from week 3, 2025 to week 8, 2025. Webinar 1: January 13thWebinar 2: January 20thWebinar 3: February 3rdWebinar 4: February 17th Target GroupThis course is primarily intended for engineers in management or middle management positions within industry, whether they are recent graduates or individuals with extensive experience. The course is suitable for individuals with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering management, or similar educational background. Entry RequirementsTo be eligible for this course, participants must have completed courses equivalent to at least 120 credits, with a minimum of 90 entry Requirement credits in a technical subject area, with at least a passing grade, or equivalent knowledge. Proficiency in English is also required, equivalent to English Level 6. Educational package in circular economyThe course Product/production and business development for circular flows is an introduction of the educational package starting again spring 2024 and will also run spring 2026. This course: Business development for circular flow together with Product development for circular flows (starting March 3) and Production for cirkular flows (starting April 28) are free standing independent courses that build on knowledge in the field.