FragFritzi! - On the road with the e-cargobike for a participatory discussion on the circular economy

Initial situation and problem definition

How sustainable is the pedelec really? Is it more environmentally friendly than public transport? What happens to old batteries - are they recycled or do they end up as electronic waste? And what contribution do pedelecs make to the circular economy? These and other questions show that social debates about mobility, environmental protection and resource conservation are closely linked to scientific issues. Under the motto of the Science Year 2022 "In demand!", the focus is therefore on the perspectives of citizens. The participatory science communication project "FragFritzi!" addresses these questions, promotes dialog between society and science and thus strengthens mutual understanding of future-relevant technologies.

Project goals

The aim of the FragFritzi! project as part of the Science Year 2022 is to strengthen the participation of citizens in scientific and political discourse and at the same time provide new impetus for research and research policy. The focus is on an interactive game concept that communicates the basics, opportunities and challenges of the circular economy in an understandable and participatory way. The playful approach enables a low-threshold approach to complex sustainability issues and promotes an understanding of resource-conserving economic forms. In this way, FragFritzi! contributes to strengthening the dialog between science and society and to promoting topics relevant to the future.

Solution approach

"FragFritzi!" uses the bicycle - especially the pedelec - as a low-threshold approach to complex topics such as the circular economy, sustainability and digitalization. The project combines scientific content with everyday participation and consists of three central elements:

• The circular economy forms the content framework in which technical, social and legal issues are addressed.
• A three-stage, participatory simulation game enables citizens to analyze and reflect on resource consumption, recovery potential and challenges in an exemplary manner.
• An e-cargobike serves as a mobile space for dialog and discussion as part of a nationwide tour, supported by scientific partner institutions.

The aim is to make scientific contexts tangible and to strengthen the exchange between research and society. "FragFritzi!" promotes understanding of key aspects of the circular economy and brings citizens into direct contact with researchers.

Funding information