Analysis and evaluation of the level of circular economy development in Russian regions

Abstract

Subject. The article addresses circular models of production systems organization. In Russia, the circular economy concept has not been significantly developed, either theoretically or practically. Objectives. We focus on developing a method for quantitative assessment of the current level and a potential for circular economy development in Russian regions. The method rests on the analysis of business environment. The proposed approach to measuring the level of circular economy development was tested on the data from the Central, Northwestern and Southern Federal Districts for 2017. Methods. The study employs general scientific methods. Results. Our calculations show that Moscow, the Chechen Republic, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the Orel and Bryansk regions had the highest level of circular economy development in 2017. As for the Chechen Republic, this result is explained by the fact that the region has zero environmental expenditures, including the organization of the waste management system. Therefore, in the practical use of the offered method, we propose to exclude objects with zero and extremely low cost of environmental management from sample data. Conclusions. The lack of reliable data on circular economy development creates significant management problems, making it difficult for government departments to forge an adequate strategy for production models systems, which are specific to the circular economy, as well as a system of measures to boost it.