PhD defence R.L. (Rachel) Greer

Dissertation in short:

In current business and practice, there is a reigning linear economy in our society’s manner of dealing with resources – operating on a “take-make-waste” production and consumption paradigm. In light of increasing strain on natural resources – related to increasing global consumption and waste – and mounting environmental threats, it is argued that transformative change is necessary to protect the earth’s natural resources, upon which human life depends. What is needed is a fundamental, structural, and systemic change to production and consumption patterns: a transition to a circular economy (CE).

The field of transition research studies the dynamics of complex societal problems and guides the development of systems solutions to address these problems. Accordingly, I applied transition theory as the main lens to my research with the aim of uncovering new insights in circular economy. In this thesis, I identify specific characteristics and challenges relating to the physical reality of CE transition. Taking a physical-material and conceptual-theoretical starting point, I describe crucial paradoxes that have not previously been identified and that have important implications for governance approaches in the transition to CE. I address if the current circular policies and initiatives are truly transformative in nature, and I investigate what tools would be beneficial to accelerating this transition. Further, I explore what governance and decision-making may be necessary to empower and facilitate a true transition to a circular economy.