Elisabeth Viles: " Chair is refocusing its activities on sustainability and the circular Economics "

Since 2021, the Repsol Foundation and Tecnun have been collaborating through an Chair Energy Transition at the University of Navarra. This initiative is part of the network Chairs -University Program that the Repsol Foundation maintains at eight Spanish universities.

Since the launch of the “ partnership,” the School of Engineering’s “ Chair ” had focused its “ research ” on hydrogen as a “ core topic ” vector for decarbonizing industry and “ mobility.” Now, four years later, the “ agreement ” is evolving to focus its activities on “the ‘ Economics circular’ as a lever to strengthen competitiveness, resource efficiency, and the sustainable transformation of industry.”

As a result of this change, Tomás Gómez-Acebo will step down as head of the Spanish Association of Industrial Organizations ( Chair ) and will be replaced by Elisabeth Viles as the new director. The department Industrial Organization Department, through the group Department of Sustainable Improvementdevelopment , will take over the promotion and management of activities related to the Chair. 

Elisabeth Viles, director of the “ Chair,” explains the key aspects of this new phase and provides a preview of upcoming events and activities.

Why has the scope of research changed from Chair on the Energy Transition?

The current situation requires us to go one step further.

Today, sustainability has become a strategic pillar for the future of organizations, and the circular Economics is a tool core topic to make it a reality. It is not just about decarbonization, but about transforming the way we produce and consume to optimize resources, strengthen our strategic autonomy, and improve industrial competitiveness.

For all these reasons, starting in 2026, the Foundation for the Promotion of Sustainable Development ( Chair ) will refocus its website purpose and center its activities on research and the transfer of knowledge to drive this sustainable and circular business transformation.

What does this change mean?

It represents a natural evolution. Furthermore, the new “ approach ” proposed by the Repsol Foundation aligns perfectly with the trajectory of the “ group ” at Tecnun’s “ research Mejora Sostenible,” which now assumes responsibility for the “ Chair ” with six senior researchers.

Integrating sustainability and the circular Economics into business strategy is at the heart of our work. At the “ framework ” (Sustainability and Circular Economy Forum) hosted by the “ Chair ” (Sustainability and Circular Economy Institute), we will focus on the “ development ” (Sustainability and Circularity Toolkit) of measurement and management tools that enable companies to integrate sustainability and circularity criteria without losing sight of operational excellence; on the analysis of industrial logistics to reduce the environmental impact of procurement and transportation processes; and on industrial symbiosis—that is, the “ research ” (Industrial Symbiosis Platform) on processes, technologies, and platforms that facilitate “ partnership ” (collaborative recycling) among companies for the “ exchange ” (reuse) and “reaprovechamiento” (reuse) of byproducts and waste.

What impact do you expect this new phase to have, both on the research and on its application in industry and society?

Having the financial and strategic support of the Repsol Foundation is excellent news and serves as recognition of a research that addresses the industry’s real needs. Furthermore, it allows us to train researchers at doctorate who are focused on the challenges of the ecological transition.

On a social and business level, we want the Chair to serve as a bridge so that sustainability and the circular Economics cease to be mere concepts and become integral parts of corporate decision-making. To that end, we will organize webinars and training programs to share the latest advancements, foster discussion , and promote partnerships between academia and the business sector.

What are the next milestones for the " Chair"?

Although we’re just getting started on this new phase, we already have two major milestones planned before the end of the year. The first will be on October 14, at 10 a.m., with the webinar graduate “Transition to a Circular Economics : Key Points and Practical Strategies,” in which experts from academia and the business world will discuss how to integrate circularity into corporate strategy.

In addition, on November 23, 24, and 26, we will offer the course “Economics Circular Economy for Strategic Autonomy and Industrial Competitiveness,” aimed at professionals seeking to place sustainability and resource efficiency at the heart of their businesses.

All information about the Energy TransitionChair , organized by the Repsol Foundation and Tecnun, is available at available on the website and on the Repsol’s .