Adapting a Circular Economy in Regional Strategies of the European Union

Susanna Vanhamäki,Kati Manskinen,Satu Rinkinen

doi:10.3390/su13031518

Abstract

The transition towards a sustainable circular economy (CE) model is seen as a solution to keep the consumption of the earth’s resources within planetary boundaries. In the regional context, the CE is promoted through various policy actions, one being the smart specialisation concept. This paper provides a novel approach to examining the spatial adaption of a CE through a conceptual framework of research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (S3) in Europe. This interdisciplinary research presents a multi-country comparison of S3 implementation in Europe in 12 regions that have defined the CE as a priority area. The data consist of interviews with representatives of organisations responsible for the regional S3 process. The findings indicate that a political demand exists for proceeding further with the construction of transformative activities involving the CE, but the models and stages of implementation vary. In addition, most regions still struggle with building specific monitoring and evaluation measures and mechanisms for the CE. Despite these challenges, promoting the CE as a strategic priority through the S3 process has, at least in some regions, helped define the CE targets and actions by focusing on existing regional assets and future potential.

Highlights

This paper aims to answer how S30 s thematic priority areas related to the circular economy (CE) are concretised and implemented in regional objectives or priorities and actions
This article explains how the CE is concretised in S30 s of 12 European regions
It provides an attempt to clarify the actual stage of development in the regional innovation policy from the CE perspective, and how the S3 as a policy framework has been utilised around Europe in promoting CE in the regions

Summary

Introduction

The transition towards a circular economy (CE) is seen as a solution for sustainable consumption issues. The EC’s action plan stated that broad, long-term commitment is needed at all levels of government to develop the CE, that is, with the local, regional and national authorities acting as key agents in enabling the transition [5]. The EU’s new CE action plan published in 2020 addresses the need to accelerate the transition towards regenerative growth through a CE model that gives back to the planet more than it takes and keeps the consumption of the earth’s resources within planetary boundaries [6]. When was circular economy (CE) chosen as an S3 priority in your region? Why was CE chosen as a RIS3 priority in your region? Why was CE chosen as a RIS3 priority in your region? Please describe the background and regional strengths.

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