June 10th 2026 | Deep Dive Session
Hosted by NAO International
Leads: Prof. Preeti Shroff , Founder NAO International; Birgit Geiberger, Global Head of Product UX Design, IKEA; Industry Advisor, Inclusive AI Lab
Convening leads: Adil Boughlala, Sustainable AI researcher, Inclusive AI lab (NL); Dr. Dennis Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Digital Literacy & Digital Methods UU, AI Methods lead, Inclusive AI Lab; Dr. Lianne Toussaint, Assistant Professor Media, Art & Society UU
This workshop explores how circular economy principles are being advanced through innovative uses of AI, data, and design across government, corporate, and social sectors. Drawing on global and grassroots examples, the session examines how public policy, business innovation, and community-led approaches can work together to enable more regenerative, resource-efficient systems and support Green AI. Through expert-led roundtables and discussions, participants will reflect on the limits of today’s linear, extractive economic model—particularly as it is reinforced by the growing environmental footprint of AI. The workshop invites participants to critically reimagine how AI can be designed, governed, and scaled in alignment with circular economy values, equity, and long-term resilience. Participant discussions within sub-groups will focus on (i) Global Circularity and AI Governance (ii) Corporate and Brand Design Innovations (iii) Collective Solutions for The City and Communities (iv) Academic Research and Teaching Frontiers .
Goal: To convene leaders across policy, industry, academia, and civil society to reimagine how AI, data, and design can advance circular, equitable, and regenerative systems beyond today’s extractive economic model.
Provocateurs:
Prof. Fabio Iraldo, Professor in Management and Circular Economy. Management School, Scoula Superior Sant’Anna. Pisa, (Italy)
Abhijit Bhaduri, Talent Development, Ex Partner and GM Global Learning & Development Microsoft. Seattle (USA)
Hayley Nelson, CEO, Hayley’s Services. AI, Marketing and Communications. Adjunct Faculty, Northwestern University. (USA)
Rijit Sengupta, CEO, Center for Responsible Business, Delhi – (India)
Yulia Koroleva, Global Communication Manager at Ashoka, Professor – Sustainability Management. The GIA World (Switzerland)
Prof. Judy Franks, Professor in Media Transformation, Digital Strategy and Marketing Communications. Northwestern University, Evanston. (USA)
Dr. Yan Han, CEO and Board Director of Tianli Biotech, Chairperson – International Business at Topline Consulting Group, Think Culture Foundation Founder (China)