1. Mapping the Landscape : A Literature Review on Circular Economy AdoptionAnkita Pandey, Himanshu Mohan, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a strategic framework to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems. The current study uniquely integrates the PRISMA protocol with the 5W1H analytical framework and bibliometric triangulation to bridge conceptual, behavioural, and policy perspectives within CE research. This study conducts a systematic literature review of 332 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science, applying the PRISMA methodology and the 5W1Hb analytical framework. Bibliometric and thematic analyses reveal five core research themes: technological innovation, circular business models, policy mechanisms, behavioural insights, and supply chain optimisation. While the United Kingdom and India lead in scholarly and policy contributions,the CE research landscape remains fragmented. Key gaps persist in digital nudging, behavioural adoption, and sector-specific applications. The study emphasises the need for interdisciplinary approaches and model-driven frameworks to foster systemic CE transitions. By mapping conceptual trends, theoretical linkages, and regional participation, this study provides a novel integrative synthesis and actionable implications for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to accelerate CE adoption.
Keywords: circular economy, CE adoption, CE practices, sustainable development, literature review
Published in RUP: 10.04.2026; Views: 152; Downloads: 3
 Full text (981,41 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
2. From Cinema to Knowledge Hub : Circular Economy and Social Innovation at the University of Primorska LibraryJonatan Vinkler, Jana Hojnik, 2025, professional article Abstract: This paper presents a transformative initiative undertaken by the University of Primorska to centralise and modernise its library services. Through the implementation of a user-centric approach, the initiative reimagines the library as an inclusive, 24/7 accessible space that meets legal, operational, and social innovation standards. The revitalisation of a historic cinema complex into a dynamic library hub exemplifies circular economy principles (reusing and repurposing instead of building something new), while the initiative’s transdisciplinary methodology ensures scalability and replicability. A detailed SWOT analysis and impact analysis highlight the strengths, challenges, impact and long-term vision of the initiative, positioning it as a model for inclusive academic infrastructure.
Keywords: circular economy, social innovation, University of Primorska, University Library
Published in RUP: 11.03.2026; Views: 227; Downloads: 6
Full text (1,42 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
3. Universities as Drivers of Social Innovation and Circular Economy : Insights from the University of TriesteRubina Romanello, Salvatore Dore, original scientific article Abstract: Universities are main actors capable of fostering social innovation (SI) and advancing circular economy (CE) practices through education, research, community engagement, and internal governance practices. This article examines the University of Trieste (UNITS) as a case study to explore how universities can promote synergies between SI and CE. By analysing in-depth secondary and primary data, our study maps the activities implemented by the University to spread the two paradigms by specifically organizing them in four fields: teaching and student engagement; research and knowledge transfer; third mission and societal outreach; and sustainability practices. Through this mapping activity, this study identifies five benchmark activities that are considered highly impactful in spreading both SI and CE paradigms: the PhD Program in Circular Economy, the RUS Food Working Group, the AReTS water project, the adaptive reuse of the Ex-Ospedale Militare, and the Innovators Community Lab. Our results provide food for thought for policy makers and practitioners, showing some activities that might be replicable among higher education institutions worldwide.
Keywords: university, social innovation, circular economy, sustainability, higher education
Published in RUP: 11.03.2026; Views: 253; Downloads: 6
Full text (158,18 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
4. Exploring Resilience through Blockchain and Circular Economy : A Review from a Cross-Sectoral PerspectiveTatiana Tolusso, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: Resilience has become a strategic capability for organisations facing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and socio-economic instability. The Circular Economy (CE) offers regenerative models to reduce waste and optimise resources, while Blockchain (BC) provides digital infrastructures that enhance transparency, traceability, and trust across supply chains. Despite their growing relevance, research on CE, BC, and resilience remains fragmented and under-integrated. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of 37 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2025, mapping how CE and BC intersect to strengthen resilience. The review identified several recurring themes, highlighting how the convergence of CE principles and BC technology can bolster resilience across three crucial dimensions: 1) adaptive; 2) organisational; and 3) systemic. Among the most relevant contributions, several central aspects also emerge, including the following: a) the enhancement of eco-efficiency; b) the role of BC in reducing information asymmetries and enabling greater transparency; c) the critical importance of cooperation and shared value co-creation, fostering a glocal approach to resilience that emphasises collaboration among stakeholders. These findings offer valuable observations for facilitating the transition to CE through BC, while also highlighting important avenues for future research such as the dynamics of glocal cooperation and the latent resilience within organisations.
Keywords: circular economy, resilience, eco-efficiency, blockchain
Published in RUP: 04.03.2026; Views: 243; Downloads: 7
Full text (1,69 MB)
This document has more files! More... |
5. Reusing timber for a circular, low-carbon future : challenges and the path forwardMohammad Derikvand, 2026, other scientific articles Abstract: Load-bearing timber is usually not reused in a second structural application after its first service life, not due to proven inadequacy, but largely because prevailing standards recognize only first-use material. When buildings are dismantled, the recovered timber is typically routed toward energy recovery, re- or down-cycling, or disposal, while functionally equivalent components for new construction are manufactured from newly harvested logs. The current regulatory framework favors virgin timber, even where reused elements could technically perform the same structural functions. Therefore, one of the primary barriers to structural timber reuse is the absence of codified pathways for qualification, certification, and market acceptance.
Keywords: timber, reuse, reclaimed timber, circular economy, standards and certification
Published in RUP: 03.02.2026; Views: 384; Downloads: 5
Full text (267,35 KB)
This document has more files! More... |
6. |
7. |
8. |
