Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics
Papers in Innovation Studies,
Lund University, CIRCLE - Centre for Innovation Research
No 2025/1: Global circular networks and couplings: Exploring the global architecture of the circular economy
Jonathan Friedrich (), Linda Stihl (), Johan Miörner (), Vitor Souza (), Fredrik Nilsson () and Markus Grillitsch ()
Additional contact information
Jonathan Friedrich: CIRCLE, Lund University
Linda Stihl: CIRCLE, Lund University
Johan Miörner: CIRCLE, Lund University
Vitor Souza: CIRCLE, Lund University
Fredrik Nilsson: CIRCLE, Lund University
Markus Grillitsch: CIRCLE, Lund University
Abstract: Geographical research on the global economy has largely failed to conceptualize processes of circular change, while geographical issues are rarely considered in scholarship on the circular economy. Therefore, in this paper, we conceptualize a globally integrated circular economy and identify the key mechanisms of circular (de-)couplings. We provide a novel framework for understanding these changes by combining four essential dimensions - actors, resources, functions and geography - which we illustrate with empirical examples. This can inform human geographic research approaches to the topic and policy making at different levels on how to rethink global entanglements and drive circularity-oriented changes.
Keywords: circular economy; global economy; global production network; global value chains; transitions
Language: English
20 pages, September 25, 2026
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