The Role of Artificial Intelligence within Circular Economy Activities—A View from Ireland

Muhammad Salman Pathan (), Edana Richardson, Edgar Galvan and Peter Mooney
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Muhammad Salman Pathan: Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
Edana Richardson: School of Law and Criminology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
Edgar Galvan: Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
Peter Mooney: Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-18

Abstract: The world’s current linear economic model is unsustainable. This model encourages improper use of limited natural resources and causes abundant waste production resulting in severe harm to the environment. A circular economy (CE) is a sustainable, restorative, and regenerative alternative to the current linear economy and is gaining popularity worldwide. Amongst various digital technologies, Artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial enabler for CE and can aid significantly with the adoption and implementation of CE in real-world applications. In this paper, we describe the intersection of AI and CE and policies around implementing CE principles using AI. As a means of grounding the discussion, we discuss some initiatives taken by the Irish government to adopt circularity and explore the role AI plays in these. We present a number of practical examples of AI and CE from Ireland. We argue that digitalisation has potential in CE and it has a major role to play in the transition towards CE. We close the paper by reflecting on future steps around practical implementations of AI-based CE processes.

Keywords: circular economy; Ireland; digitalisation; artificial intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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