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Knowledge category: Papers and reports

Methodology for the implementation of a circular economy at the local and regional scale

Updated on 19.09.2023

Setting the methodological basis of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), this document provides policy- and decision-makers with operational guidance to accelerate the development and implementation of Circular Systemic Solutions at the local or regional level. The document organises existing guidance on circular economy implementation in cities and regions into a modular, systematic, and actionable methodology.

Author: CCRI Coordination and Support Office
Year of publication: 2022

Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions

The methodology distinguishes between three main phases that reflect the maturity level of cities and regions with respect to their circular solutions. These are: MAP the territory and understand its metabolism; DESIGN the circular systemic solution; and IMPLEMENT the circular systemic solution. Along these three phases, the methodology presents and details all the aspects to be addressed for bringing forward an effective and systemic circular solution, including, inter alia, the use of a value-chain perspective, the prioritisation of intervention areas, the identification of CE opportunities and their impacts evaluation. In doing so, the document also showcases a list of Circular Systemic Solutions implemented in Europe that can serve as a source of inspiration for cities and regions that have just started their circular transition. The CCRI Methodology is a reference document that helps key stakeholders to use a common language for circular transitions and Circular Systemic Solutions implementation. Achieving this objective would help scaling up Circular Cities and Regions Initiatives and foster a more efficient transfer of knowledge and know-how between EU cities and regions.