Designing a Qualitative Model of Circular Economy Education with the 3C Approach (Competency-Based) in Small and Medium Industries

The aim of the current research is to design a qualitative model of circular economy education with the 3C (competency-based) approach in small and medium industries. The current research is exploratory in terms of its purpose and applied and developmental in terms of thematic nature. Its investigation method is descriptive and analytical. This research was done with the meta-analysis method. The statistical population of the current research included related researches that were available inside and outside the country in the form of full-text articles, dissertations, and research plans in the databases and libraries of universities or government centers, and specialists who had relevant education or experience in this field. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 182 studies were examined. The results of the research led to the formation of a comprehensive model of cognitive, attitudinal, and skill dimensions and formed in 11 components and 60 items. Reliability was calculated through the Kappa coefficient with a value of 0.95, which is at the level of excellent agreement. This model provides information about the competencies required from the cognitive, skill, and attitude dimensions for the implementation of circular economy training in small and medium industries, and by warning the decision makers, it clarifies the necessary fields of attention, and by recognizing and examining them, they have a clearer understanding of the program. It provides training for the development of circular economy concepts in the organizations. This diagnosis helps to improve training and also helps professionals to create more efficient training programs within the industries.