Introduction to the Handbook on Artificial Intelligence and the Circular Economy

Ashutosh Samadhiya, Anil Kumar, Samuel O. Idowu and Pankaj Dutta

Chapter 1 in Handbook on Artificial Intelligence and the Circular Economy, 2026, pp 2-11 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The confluence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Circular Economy (CE) marks an exciting new frontier for transformative innovation in sustainability. Both forms of innovation have been established for some time now, but the intersectional possibilities are still maturing. In this opening chapter, we have positioned AI as a structural underpinning for broad circularity in design, production, logistics, and digital systems—not just a digital tool. Alongside this is an overview of how the various types of AI technology, including predictive analytics and intelligent automation, can enhance resource use, promote closed-loop systems, and enable more sustainable decisions. Because AI can be embedded in systems encompassing a wide array of ethical, regulatory, and socio-economic implications, our chapter also points to several urgent things to consider when implementing AI in CE systems. The call to action is for a transformative system where the application of AI for CE informs circular strategies and practices, and to treat it as a response to collectively address broad sustainability challenges.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Circular Economy; Sustainability; Digital transformation; Resource optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035343379
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