Completed NRP 73 research project: Laboratory for circular economy

Our economy is primarily based on linear principles. The consequences are waste and excessive use of natural resources. The circular economy, an economic system in which products, components and materials are used and reused for as long as possible, is an important factor in addressing and resolving our environmental problems.

This interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary project set out to develop principles that will aid companies in the Swiss economy in successfully rolling out a sustainable circular economy. Three factors – material and energy requirement, legal and administrative framework and business models – were investigated at six partner companies of differing sizes.

The project, with its systemic and global approach, contributes to the sustainable circular economy on several fronts. New methods were developed to combine global criteria for environmental requirements with product and service design and to shape transitions. Entrepreneurial opportunities to develop business models in circular ecosystems were also described in full, as were the connections linking the regulatory framework with the transition to a sustainable circular economy in Switzerland.

 

More information:

More information about the research project

Video “NRP 73: Thinking long-term helps the circular economy”

 

Selected publications:

Takacs, Fabian; Frankenberger, Karolin; Stechow, Richard (2020). Business Model Innovation for the Circular Economy - White Paper. N.A.: N.A.

Brunner, Dunia (2020). Vers une économie circulaire des emballages de boissons en verre en Suisse– limites et apports du cadre réglementaire, Partie I: Etat des lieux. In Droit de l'environnement en pratique, 4, 367–396.

 

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Karolin Frankenberger
Institute of Management & Strategy (IoMS-HSG)
University of St. Gallen

+41 71 224 27 01
karolin.frankenberger@unisg.ch