The contribution of European cities and regions to the circular economy
On November 19, take advantage of your lunch break to dive into the European initiatives that are advancing the circular economy in different regions.
In recent years, many European cities and regions have been actively engaged in the transition to a circular economy by developing their own territorial strategies. Far from being a uniform model, these approaches are shaped by local priorities, challenges, and development trajectories. Analysis of 54 strategic planning documents highlights the primarily environmental motivations that guide these commitments.
Three main roles emerge for local authorities: that of promoter, by providing vision and setting clear objectives; that of facilitator, by creating conditions conducive to collaboration between actors; and that of catalyst, by supporting experimentation and innovation through appropriate policy instruments. This framework, which often focuses on the downstream end of value chains, reflects a selective but pragmatic approach to circularity. By highlighting the diversity of forms of territorial intermediation, this article provides valuable insight into how local authorities are making a concrete contribution to structuring and accelerating ecological transitions in Europe.
About the speaker
Sébastien Bourdin is Professor of Economic Geography and Environmental Management at EM Normandie Business School in France. Holder of the European Chair of Excellence in Circular Economy and Territories, with a PhD and Habilitation to Direct Research in Geography, his research focuses on territorial development, ecological transition, and environmental management. He is also a specialist in European issues, cohesion policy, and public policy evaluation. His work uniquely combines quantitative methods—spatial econometrics and modeling—with qualitative methods. Sébastien Bourdin has led several European and national research projects on topical issues such as renewable energies and the circular economy.
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Further information
- Bourdin, S., & Jacquet, N. (2025). The contribution of European cities and regions to the circular economy: an analysis of territorial strategies. Regional Studies, 59(1) https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2025.2563888
