Circular Economy

In the science team Circular Economy, we investigate how societies can accelerate the transition towards a circular and sustainable future. We approach circular economy transitions as a systemic and deeply social process that requires an interdisciplinary lens, and we organize our research around three interdependent pillars: behavioural, business and institutional transitions in circular economy.

Behavioural Transitions
Circular economy transitions depend on changes in everyday practices and choices. We investigate how individuals, households, and communities adopt sustainable and circular behaviours in areas such as consumption, mobility, food, tourism, and waste. Drawing on psychology, sociology, marketing and transformative education, our research explores how values, norms, awareness, incentives, and learning processes can accelerate behavioural change, enabling circular lifestyles.

Business Transitions
Businesses play a critical role in moving from linear to circular systems. We study how circularity and sustainability can be embedded at the core of business purpose rather than treated as an add-on. Our research examines how firms redesign their business models, value chains, and innovation strategies to reduce resource use, extend product lifecycles, and create long-term positive impact. Topics include circular and sustainable business models, sustainable marketing, social and sustainable entrepreneurship, and collaboration and leadership to pioneer disruptive innovations.

Institutional Transitions
Industry norms, policies and governance structures shape the conditions under which circular solutions can emerge and scale. We need systemic change across industries and regions to achieve a circular economy. Under this pillar, we analyze institutional dynamics across key domains such as food and agriculture, mobility and transport, health, education, and tourism.

Drawing on interdisciplinary expertise across the social sciences, economics, environmental studies, ethics, and education, we combine academic excellence with societal relevance. Through research, teaching, and collaboration with policy-makers, businesses, and civil society, we help shape evidence-based pathways toward a resilient and circular future. Our work contributes directly to regional priorities and to national and European ambitions for achieving climate-neutral and circular systems by 2050.