Abstract
The concepts of bioeconomy, green economy and circular economy share the common objective of developing a sustainable economy, and they attract enormous political, academic, social and business interest. However, an analysis of these concepts in the fields of economics and business management is lacking. The objective of this article is to classify the publications on these topics by subject of study, to analyse trends in publications and to guide researchers interested in selecting articles. The review was performed using Scopus for the period 1960 to 2017. Four hundred and forty-nine publications were obtained and classified into 17 categories. The results show that the existing literature is rich in analysing implemented policies and issues related to the strategies and organizational models of companies looking for a more sustainable path, and research in China and the European Union is highlighted. However, there is still a long way to go in researching implemented case studies and evaluating the economic impact of these concepts. For this to happen, the need to promote, encourage and support companies to implement cleaner production and approach a more sustainable path must be prioritised. Possible gaps in current research that allow future lines of work are also identified.
Highlights
To ensure a sustainable growth model we have to use our resources more efficiently [1], which, in turn, requires focusing on sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations in its 1987 “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development”.Taking as a starting point the key concept of natural capital as the world’s stock of natural assets—such as air, water, soil, geology and all living organisms, whether renewable or not [2]— it is essential to consider the conservation of this natural capital to ensure the future of humanity
Managed natural capital becomes a social and economic responsibility and sustainability depends on its maintenance [3]
The concepts green economy, circular economy and bioeconomy came into being between the 1970s and the 1990s
Summary
To ensure a sustainable growth model we have to use our resources more efficiently [1], which, in turn, requires focusing on sustainable development, as defined by the United Nations in its 1987 “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development”.Taking as a starting point the key concept of natural capital as the world’s stock of natural assets—such as air, water, soil, geology and all living organisms, whether renewable or not [2]— it is essential to consider the conservation of this natural capital to ensure the future of humanity. The three concepts analysed in this article have a direct impact mainly on these goals, which promote sustainable industries focusing on responsible production and consumption through the efficient use of resources and energy and reduction of waste. This situation impacts the creation of new products, increasing competitiveness in new markets, and promoting sustainable economic growth with quality employment without harming the environment. The bioeconomy will contribute to promoting sustainable agriculture (which, in turn, provides food security), accessing energy through the use of clean energies, and guaranteeing the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ecosystems These new forms of production and consumption will help combat climate change. It must be pointed out that these concepts will have an indirect impact on other established goals, such as clean water and sanitation (6) and life below water (14)
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