Building Capacity for Circular Economy Transitions: Exploring Knowledge of 3D Printing in Nigerian Universities.

The circular plastic economy offers a promising pathway toward sustainable resource management, but its adoption in developing contexts, particularly in Nigeria, remains underexplored. This chapter examines the capacity of Nigerian universities to drive the transition to a circular plastic economy through the integration of 3D printing technologies. By investigating the relationship between students’ knowledge of the plastic waste problem, their understanding of 3D printing and sub-technologies such as Filtech, and their engagement in plastic waste management actions, the chapter provides critical insights into this emerging field. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to analyse data collected from 151 university students, the findings highlight the statistically significant role of knowledge in influencing plastic waste management actions. However, the results reveal that 3D printing technologies and their sub-technologies have not yet significantly impacted plastic waste management, suggesting systemic gaps in infrastructure, policy, and institutional capacity. The chapter underscores the importance of universities as hubs of innovation, advocating for targeted investments in infrastructure, curricula, and policies to enhance capacity in 3D printing technologies. These measures are critical for fostering sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in resource-constrained settings. The chapter concludes with recommendations for multi-sectoral partnerships and international support to bridge identified gaps and position Nigerian universities as leaders in sustainability and the circular plastic economy.