Research Axis 1 – Value, transitions, and change management
Axis 1 is led by a co-chair and a co-lead.
Axis 1 centers on the work of its members, who explore issues related to value, transitions, and change management in the circular economy. Through their involvement in the Network, researchers in this research track actively contribute to advancing knowledge in this field. Their expertise not only helps advance the track’s scientific objectives but also promotes the principles and practices of the circular economy within society, thereby strengthening its practical impact and relevance.
Axis 1 objectives
Objective 1.1: Monitor and analyze the conceptual evolution of the circular economy
The circular economy is based on concepts, values, and analytical frameworks that are constantly being debated and challenged. Clarifying these foundations helps us understand the tensions between different approaches, the conceptual shifts, and the worldviews that shape policies, practices, and innovations. This is precisely the focus of this objective. The scientific challenge lies in analyzing schools of thought and emerging paradigms, as well as the systemic phenomena that influence how the frameworks of circularity are being redefined.
Examples of research topics
- Definitions, conceptual and terminological frameworks of the circular economy, and the conceptual shift in its foundations.
- Schools of thought (e.g., industrial ecology, sharing economy, etc.).
- Values and principles of the circular economy (axiological and deontological approaches).
- Related concepts and emerging paradigms (e.g., bioeconomy, regeneration, frugal/low-tech approaches, simplicity, planetary boundaries, strong sustainability).
- Directionality of the circular economy: phenomena of acceleration, deceleration, innovation, and exnovation.
- Indigenous knowledge and cultural and intercultural approaches to circularity.
- Implications for post-2030 SDG processes.
Objective 1.2: Integrate educational needs and ensure alignment between training, research, and employment
The transition to a circular economy requires a transformation of education, research, and skills development systems. It reshapes learning models, redefines certain professional roles, and drives the evolution of occupations related to, among other things, product maintenance, repair, and refurbishment, as well as new economic and social models. Understanding these transformations involves examining how circular knowledge is integrated into curricula and relevant skills, and how collaborations between educational, research, and continuing education institutions help shape a culture of circularity based on continuous learning and the recognition of expertise.
Examples of research topics
- Integration of knowledge and learning methods related to the circular economy into postsecondary curricula (community colleges, universities).
- Work in the circular economy (e.g., quality, definition, and promotion of occupations).
- Definition of skills, expertise, and the promotion of occupations related to circularity.
- Roles of education, research, and continuing education networks.
Objective 1.3: Understand the mechanisms of consumer and citizen engagement and mobilization
The circular transition relies on changes in individual and collective behaviors, as well as on citizens’ ability to adopt, adapt, or transform their consumption and social participation practices. Understanding these dynamics—a central aspect of this objective—involves examining the psychological, social, and cultural forces that influence individuals’ choices, as well as how these behaviors vary according to values and contexts of action. This includes studying different forms of engagement—community initiatives, the second-hand economy, and deconsumption practices—as well as cross-cutting factors that promote or hinder the adoption of circular practices, such as awareness-raising, incentives, or certain socio-cultural resistances. Particular attention is paid to inclusion, intercultural dialogue, and intergenerational engagement, in order to identify the conditions that support broad, representative, and diverse mobilization.
Examples of research topics
- Behavioral dynamics and psychological drivers.
- Pro-environmental behavior.
- Consumption/deconsumption.
- Responsible consumption, responsible marketing.
- The influence of the workplace.
- Sharing economy, second-hand economy, and functional economy.
- Citizen engagement, participatory approaches, and co-creation.
- Intercultural, intergenerational, and inclusive dimensions (EDI), including accessibility and the engagement of underrepresented groups, as well as dialogue with First Nations.
Objective 1.4: Monitor and analyze the implementation of circular economy roadmaps
This objective focuses on the wide range of implementations of roadmaps and action plans—whether sectoral, municipal, national, regional, or international—as well as on the diversity of approaches, lessons learned, tools, and mechanisms employed depending on the implementation context. It focuses on analysis and support as stakeholders implement these roadmaps and action plans in an environment marked by uncertainty and systemic shocks. This objective aims to strengthen the capacity to learn and, consequently, to foster a better understanding of the changing practices, social expectations, innovations, and narratives that accompany the transition, as well as the factors that can accelerate or slow down its implementation.
Examples of research topics
- Monitoring the implementation of roadmaps and stakeholder engagement (private sector, social economy, public sector), as well as the resulting impacts and lessons learned.
- Systemic and forward-looking approach, methods.
- Planning and adapting trajectories in the face of shocks and uncertainties.
- Dialogues with the stories and narratives of the transition.
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Research Projects
Some examples of projects related to axis 1:
