Post by VITO

Congratulations to Wim Van Opstal, who successfully defended his VITO PhD on 4 June 2026, in close collaboration with Maastricht University. His PhD, titled 𝙊𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝘾𝙞𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙊𝙧𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙨, explored how cooperatives, social enterprises and non-profit associations can contribute to a more sustainable and fair circular economy. By highlighting their role in building trust, strengthening social inclusion and supporting long-term cooperation, his research shows that a successful circular transition depends not only on technology and markets, but also on socially oriented initiatives. Congratulations, Wim, on this important academic milestone. 👏🎓