Circular economy and the separated yet inseparable social dimension : Views from European circular city experts
Abstract
Circular economy has received significant attention worldwide for its potential to reconcile ecological limits and economic development. Europe, in particular, has made it a policy focus for achieving its climate ambitions. However, to date, the circular economy remains a loosely defined concept with competing discourses of technocentrism and holistic societal transformation. As the former prevails, its neglect of the social dimension raises concerns about the circular economy's social sustainability and feasibility. Therefore, this study explores how the relationship between the circular economy and the social dimension is perceived by experts directly engaged in the current circular transition process. By uncovering their experiences and perceptions, this study aims to offer empirical insights for the future development of the circular economy. Through qualitatively exploring the views of 14 experts across 11 European cities with a clear circular vision, this study found that although the social dimension is not a primary focus or fundamentally connected with the circular economy, it plays a fundamental role in the transition process and is simultaneously an impacted area. However, there is a significant gap between the ideal social environment required for circular transition and what the current transition can facilitate. As such, the future of the circular economy may be precarious unless it shifts from a technocentric tendency to more holistic, transformational approaches.
Main Author
Format
Articles
Research article
Published
2024
Series
Subjects
Publication in research information system
Publisher
Elsevier
The permanent address of the publication
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:jyu-202410236472Use this for linking
Review status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2352-5509
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.09.016
Language
English
Published in
Sustainable Production and Consumption
Citation
- Liu, K. (2024). Circular economy and the separated yet inseparable social dimension : Views from European circular city experts. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 51, 474-483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2024.09.016
Funder(s)
European Commission
Funding program(s)
MSCA Innovative Training Networks (ITN)
MSCA Innovative Training Networks (ITN)
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Additional information about funding
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 955518.
Copyright© 2024 The Author. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers