Transitioning to the circular economy

Abstract

circular economy transitions in business ecosystems circular economy transitions in business ecosystems systemic interactions, and ultimately system change. Changes in business ecosystems can be analysed as multi-level governance, as cross-scale territorial development, as an extension and contraction of supply chains, as the formation of regional or national systems of innovation, et cetera.This book starts from the understanding that it is not a matter of finding the single right model that fits all practical issues. On the contrary, the task is to gather various models and representations of business ecosystems, to clarify the interconnections between them, and to use them to explore the strategic challenges of CE transitioning. All such schemes are mapping only particular aspects of companies' CE transitioning. The indication of levels only makes sense from a particular point of view (geographical, functional, economic or metabolic).The key strength of this edited volume is therefore that it provides a range of perspectives on CE transitioning -by companies and across business ecosystems. The business ecosystems are explored through a range of perspectives. Multidisciplinarity is of course key to understanding a holistic concept such as CE. This diversity of perspectives is particularly useful in identifying the various aspects of CE transition processes. The book features six chapters. Each of them approaches CE transitioning at different levels, along complementary disciplinary viewpoints. The authors combine expertise in sustainable urbanism, transition governance, the redesign of systems, lifecycle analysis and business model innovation. Starting from a relatively macro focus on the CE concept (Chapter 1), we continue with meso-level analyses of transition governance and "exnovation" practices (Chapters 2 and 3), after which we further address micro-level aspects related to the adoption of niche innovations by companies (Chapters 4 and 5), in particular business model innovations (Chapter 6).Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the concept of CE. This will help the readers to comprehend the complexity of the concept, its evolution and its current state. In addition to providing a concise overview of the academic literature on the CE, this chapter also sets the theoretical stage for further chapters. This chapter traces the history of this notion, placing it within the broader context of environmental awareness or "pensée écologique" as Bourg et al. (2014; put it. Providing a historical context to CE, this chapter also sketches potential trajectories for future approaches. The focus is on highlighting the ways to empower terrain actors, such as enterprises, in transitioning into circularity: moving from a predominantly top-down approach to more inclusive ones. Everyone is an actor in the transition towards more circular and resource-conscious lifestyles, all levels of interventions matter. The last section provides an overview of Belgian CE policies.Chapter 2 invokes research on sustainability transitions...

“A fine wine, better with age”: Circular economy historical roots and influential publications: A bibliometric analysis using Reference Publication Year Spectroscopy (RPYS)

“…Both concepts recognize the finite nature of Earth's resources and the need for long‐term planning and responsible management. Furthermore, recent research on the cultural dimension of CE embraces the idea of the spaceship economy to sustainably manage resources on Earth, ensuring the survival and well‐being of humanity (Beaurain et al., 2023; Chembessi et al., 2023; Mäkelä et al., 2022).…”

“…Several studies will, therefore, focus on the "rebound effects" of CE in terms of consumption, the concept limitations, the problems with resource substitution, including energy resources, as well as the entropic limits of recycling. These insights paved the way for subsequent research seeking to define large-scale CE strategies and metrics (Chembessi et al, 2021;Haupt & Hellweg, 2019;Moraga et al, 2019) and its cultural dimension (Beaurain et al, 2023;Chembessi et al, 2023;Mäkelä et al, 2022). In the same year, Bocken et al (2016) proposed a strategic framework specifically for designers and business strategists, facilitating the transition from a linear economy to CE.…”

“…Regenerative practices emphasize restoring and replenishing natural resources, nurturing ecosystem health, and creating positive social and environmental impacts throughout the entire circular economy system. This holistic perspective is fundamentally anchored in the work promoting a cultural vision and a multi-level approach to CE (Beaurain et al, 2023;Chembessi et al, 2023;Mäkelä et al, 2022) to achieve sustainability or ecological transition (Geissdoerfer et al, 2017;Nikolaou et al, 2021).…”