Youth Awareness and Attitudes towards a Circular Economy to Achieve the Green Deal Goals

Abstract

In order to approach a system change towards a circular economy model (CE) in Europe, the entrepreneurial activities of young people need to be encouraged to achieve the Green Deal (GD) goals. This article presents the evaluation results of young people’s awareness and attitudes towards the CE and the GD. The data used in this study was collected by surveying 286 young people from five European countries. The questionnaire covered four areas: (1) belief, (2) knowledge, (3) competence, and (4) young people’s ability to deal with the CE. Descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to analyse the questionnaire on the basic factors that motivate young people to the CE and GD. A literature review was conducted to identify the main research concepts and connections. A review included two phases, the first encompassing a search through the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection for research papers meaningful for further research, followed by Leximancer analysis. The analysis showed that young people believe in the principles and priorities of CE but do not receive enough support to participate and implement the priorities actively. Formal education does not provide enough knowledge to work in this field actively. They are primarily undecided about their understanding of the principles of CE. Responses to whether they can implement the project, business, or entrepreneurial ideas are also uninspiring. Young people do not see themselves as creators of change towards the CE. However, it is encouraging that they approach the CE from different angles and show responsible behaviour in everyday life. Young people’s ability to reason, think, evaluate, connect, and create new solutions for the CE is not enviable. Most respondents did not comment on their competence in concepts of the GD and CE. It is encouraging to know that they have already heard about the CE’s goals and action plan. Young people do not show significant skills in the practical implementation of CE principles. The analysis has shown that young people are particularly unable to reason, think, and evaluate in an entrepreneurial way when linking the CE to business opportunities. Relating them to business models and entrepreneurship also seems to be problematic. As a result, the majority of them are unable to design, develop, and create new business solutions.