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The formula for innovation = education × business sector

That formula has been experienced firsthand by Thorsten Friedrich of ARN. At Auto Recycling Nederland, he works as Innovation Coordinator on the circular processing of plastics, fluids, refrigerants, and drive batteries from cars. At the same time, years ago he also taught at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. To this day, he still gives guest lectures at universities of applied sciences and universities on car dismantling and battery recycling.

The formula for innovation = education × business sector

Contributing to a Clean Future

What strikes him time and again? Students are curious, sharp, and critical. They don’t want to take part in the fossil or linear economy. They want to contribute to a future that is fairer, cleaner, and smarter. But they often lack the context of where things really happen: in factories, in policy rooms. That’s where you find the drive, the resistance, the compromises, and the innovation. This is precisely why collaboration between education and business is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

You can read the full column here.