In the face of dwindling global resources, the idea of a circular economy has gained global attention. Policy makers, industry and scientists
suggest organizing economic activity in closed loops to increase the value derived from existing products and materials. Inspired by natural cycles and ideas of industrial ecology, the circular
economy promises greater resource productivity as well as waste and emissions reduction through a restorative and regenerative design. The specific socio-economic consequences of implementing
this concept on a national or even international scale, however, remain largely unknown.
On this basis, the
newly established research group
Circulus: Opportunities and challenges of transition to a
sustainable circular bio-economy,
aims to develop a
comprehensive understanding of the
emergence and potential pathways
of a circular economy in Europe and beyond.
It takes on a
constructivist systems perspective
that connects political visions of a circular economy to current transformations in economic sectors and specific value chains across
different countries.
We analyse
societal discourses and governance pathways as well as a number of
industrial cases from bio-based sectors, collaborating with relevant
industry
partners
.
The aim of the project is to provide a sound scientific understanding of the nature of current transformations towards a circular economy across
different industry sectors. Based on this understanding, the project will outline potential transformation pathways and specify their socio-economic consequences.
