testimonials

The Global Context

The global microchip sector has been significantly impacted by material shortages, underscoring that the real question isn’t whether we should transition to a circular economy, but how quickly we can achieve it. ASML, a key player in this sector, is uniquely positioned as one of the few companies with the brains, software, and hardware to produce high-demand microchips. In response to these challenges, ASML is increasingly investing in people and technologies that drive circularity, such as refurbishing, component remanufacturing, and return programs.

Philips Healthcare exemplifies successful circular business models. Its MRI machines are a prime example, as Philips incorporates several circular practices, including:

• Refurbishing and reselling used MRI systems
• Providing onsite repair services for customers
• Recycling materials from used MRI systems for new production
• Offering MRI services as a service

The Talent Gap

Implementing these innovative solutions and business models—and future-proofing a business—requires the right people with the right skills and knowledge.

This is where TMC Eindhoven plays a crucial role. It ensures a pipeline of engineers and experts capable of making sustainability a reality in the tech industry.

TMC Eindhoven collaborates with Deep Evolvement, which supports participants at a transformational and interpersonal level, and Circular Clarity, a Dutch sustainability and circularity ecosystem, to establish a state-of-the-art sustainability journey.

This journey aims to provide comprehensive upskilling, equipping professionals with the sustainability skills and awareness needed to drive meaningful change within their companies.

The Sustainability Awareness Journey in a Nutshell

The Sustainability Awareness Journey is a transformative 10-module program that provides a deep dive into the multifaceted world of sustainability. It is designed to shift participants from simply absorbing information to becoming active agents of change, encouraging them to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of their lives and work.

The course emphasizes an interconnected approach, linking personal development with broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Through a blend of theoretical learning, practical exercises, and reflective practices, participants are equipped to tackle complex sustainability challenges.

The journey also highlights the importance of aligning with global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing that true sustainability requires both innovative thinking and practical application. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also fosters long-term, impactful change within organizations and communities.

Gamification as a Core Methodology

Two of the program’s core modules—Sustainable Business Transformation and Circular Business Transition—are built entirely around business simulation games developed by Inchainge and facilitated by trainers from Circular Clarity.

Sustainability can often feel overwhelming and abstract to many professionals. The question is: how can it be effectively applied in a business context, and how can people make meaningful decisions that contribute?

In the business simulation game The Triple Connection, Sustainability Awareness Journey participants tackle this sustainability puzzle head-on. In teams of four, they take over a virtual manufacturing company that is only slightly profitable but performing poorly across all sustainability KPIs. Their challenge is to transform the company by addressing People (workload, child labor, human rights, safety, diversity, and more), Planet (CO₂, water, circularity, soils, and more), and Prosperity (long-term relationships, profitability, productivity, and more).

Through experiential learning—or learning by doing—sustainability becomes tangible, as participants experience and see:

• The impact of decisions on different sustainability KPIs
• The importance of strategies
• The first steps toward sustainable transformation

These insights can then be applied in real-world companies, as participants transfer the learning to their sector, strategy, products, and departments.

To bring the concept of circular business transition to life, The Blue Connection places participants in charge of a virtual e-bike manufacturing company. They apply circular concepts such as Circular Design, Product as a Service, Lifetime Extension, Refurbishment, and Remanufacturing, transforming a linear business into a more circular one—similar to the strategies employed by ASML and Philips.

Monica Zeilemaker, a seasoned industrialization manager at TMC Eindhoven, summarizes the value of these modules:

“I often wonder how to get unstuck from the paralysis companies are in when it comes to the sustainability transformation. Taking big steps and aiming for significant change is scary and creates uncertainty. Instead, start experimenting, start small. Gamification gives you a safe environment to take such first steps, change mindsets, and ignite something. That’s why I really value taking my teams through Inchainge’s business simulation game.”

Real Impact

During the very first run of the Sustainability Awareness Journey, one participant was able to leverage the knowledge, skills, and experience gained to secure a position as Director of Sustainability at a company.

Noortje van Boxtel, COO Operations at TMC Eindhoven, shared enthusiastically:

“This person landed the job directly as a result of the Sustainability Awareness Journey, which is fantastic. It demonstrates the immediate impact and value of such deep and meaningful upskilling programs.”

It’s truly inspiring to see what TMC Eindhoven has accomplished in collaboration with partners like Circular Clarity and Deep Evolvement. We at Inchainge couldn’t be prouder to be part of it too. We hope this success story inspires other companies, universities, and organizations to follow suit, setting up initiatives that go beyond the basics and aim for real, lasting impact.

Interested in the Sustainability Awareness Journey?

If you want to learn more about the exact program or are interested in bringing it to your company, get in touch with us.

Bring Business Simulations into Your Learning and Development Program

Want to incorporate business simulation games into your company’s learning and development program too? Reach out at info@inchainge.com or connect with Inchainge on LinkedIn.