Research Axis 2 – Organizational practices and progress indicators
Axis 2 is led by a co-chair and a co-lead.
Axis 2 of the RRECQ centers on the work of its members, who focus on the challenges of integrating, implementing, and measuring circularity within organizations and sectors. Through their involvement in the Network, researchers in this pillar actively contribute to the development of practices, business models, and tools to structure and scale up the transition to a circular economy. Their expertise not only strengthens capacities for planning, monitoring, and evaluating circular performance but also promotes systemic and collaborative approaches. Thus, their work helps improve the coherence, transparency, and effectiveness of circular initiatives, while fostering better coordination among stakeholders and a greater impact within society.
Axis 2 objectives
Objective 2.1: Understand, develop, and evaluate practices for integrating circularity strategies at the organizational and sectoral levels.
This objective aims to develop and evaluate practices that enable the coherent and systemic integration of circularity strategies within organizations and the development of new circular business models, while taking into account the specific characteristics of sectors and value chains. The goal is to identify organizational barriers and enablers, business and governance models, as well as coordination mechanisms that promote circular performance, while proposing tools and approaches to support this transformation. Drawing on case studies and comparative analyses, this objective will help strengthen the capacity of organizations and sectors to plan, implement, and sustain effective circular strategies tailored to their contexts. Implementing the circular economy within organizations and sectors requires integrated approaches that combine technological innovation, organizational transformation, and evolving business models. The proposed research themes align with this dynamic by exploring strategic levers to optimize circular performance and foster the sustainable adoption of practices.
Examples of research topics
- Barriers and obstacles to the implementation of eco-design in organizations.
- Tools for measuring cost-effectiveness, traceability, and decision-making support, as well as outreach.
- Eco-design, responsible sourcing, and operational optimization.
- Digitization (e.g., functionality, collaboration, sharing).
- Product sustainability (maintenance, repair, refurbishment), reverse logistics, and technological contributions (e.g., Industry 4.0, AI, 3D printing, big data).
- Entrepreneurship and adoption of circular strategies and technologies (private companies, cooperative/social enterprises, public companies).
- Circular business models.
- Risk monitoring and management
Objective 2.2: Explore and develop indicators for monitoring, measuring, and communicating circularity
The effective implementation of circularity strategies depends on the ability to measure, track, and communicate progress. This objective aims to address this need by developing relevant circularity indicators and measurement frameworks, enabling not only the assessment and monitoring of performance at various levels (product, organization, sector), but also facilitating the dissemination of results and coordination among stakeholders. By leveraging data collection and storage tools, reporting and communication tools, as well as concrete case studies, this objective will help strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of circular approaches. The identified research themes align with this approach by combining analytical tools, innovative methods, and advanced technologies to support decision-making at various scales.
Examples of research topics
- Multi-scale inventories of indicators (sectoral, local, national, and international).
- Design, operationalization, and adaptation of integrated circularity indicators (e.g., GHG, material and energy productivity, biodiversity).
- Data science and artificial intelligence (e.g., data spaces, digital infrastructure).
- Database acquisition and integration processes (e.g., sharing standards, digital identifiers/passports).
- Longitudinal monitoring methods.
- Monitoring and development of international standards and best practices related to the measurement, monitoring, and communication of circularity.
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Research Projects
Some examples of projects related to axis 2:
