The book Regions, Cities and the Circular Economy, co-edited by Sébastien Bourdin (EM Normandie Business School), André Torre (Paris-Saclay University, INRAE), and Eveline van Leeuwen (Wageningen University), offers a critical and comprehensive exploration of the role of territories in driving and implementing circular economy strategies.
In an era marked by pressing environmental challenges—climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation—rethinking traditional economic systems has become imperative. While the linear model of “take-make-dispose” has dominated for decades, this book highlights how circular economy (CE) principles can provide innovative and sustainable alternatives. At the heart of the discussion is the crucial role played by regions, cities, and territories, which serve as incubators for circular initiatives and key actors in fostering resilient, resource-efficient economies.
A Structured Exploration
The book is organized into three parts: theoretical foundations, strategies for implementation, and real-world case studies. The first section lays out the conceptual framework of the circular economy, examining its evolution, key principles, and territorial dimensions. The editors and contributors emphasize that CE is not merely about recycling but about rethinking production and consumption systems, embracing resource efficiency, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
The second part dives into the practical implementation of circular strategies. Chapters explore industrial ecology, the creation of territorial commons, and the drivers and barriers that regions face in their transition to circular models. By analyzing spatial flows, governance structures, and collaborative partnerships, the authors showcase how local policies and initiatives can unlock circular opportunities tailored to regional specificities.
Real-World Success Stories
The third part of the book is particularly inspiring, as it brings together practical perspectives and case studies from across the globe. From France to Canada, Portugal to the Netherlands, the chapters illustrate how cities and regions are successfully integrating circular principles into urban planning, industrial networks, and waste management systems. For instance:
- Port-Jérôme, France, where industrial symbiosis creates value from waste and energy exchanges.
- Guimarães, Portugal, a city pioneering circular strategies to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
- Glasgow, UK, where public-private collaborations are driving local circular initiatives through the Chamber of Commerce.
These examples highlight not only the potential of CE to drive sustainable development but also the importance of place-based approaches, where solutions are adapted to local socio-economic and environmental contexts.
The Importance of Territories
As Sébastien Bourdin and his co-editors argue, cities and regions possess unique attributes—proximity among stakeholders, local resources, and governance systems—that make them ideal laboratories for circular innovation. The book underscores the need for integrated policies, cross-sector partnerships, and regional governance to navigate the complexities of the CE transition.
Through a balance of theory and practice, Regions, Cities and the Circular Economy serves as a valuable resource for academics, policymakers, urban planners, and business leaders striving to build a more sustainable future. By focusing on the territorial dimension, this work demonstrates how regions and cities can catalyze circular transitions and lead the way toward a regenerative, resource-resilient economy.
