An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study

Daniela Sani, Sara Picone, Augusto Bianchini, Fabio Fava, Patricia Guarnieri and Jessica Rossi
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Daniela Sani: ART-ER Attractiveness Research Territory, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Sara Picone: ART-ER Attractiveness Research Territory, 40129 Bologna, Italy
Augusto Bianchini: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna, 47121 Forlì, Italy
Fabio Fava: Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Patricia Guarnieri: Business Department, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
Jessica Rossi: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna, 47121 Forlì, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-23

Abstract: The circular economy is a growing and strategic topic and has motivated changes and innovations in several segments of research, businesses, financial sectors and public administration. In this context, the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) is considered a pioneer in Italy, due to the efforts taken for the transition towards a circular economy. It was the first Italian region to launch a specific law on the subject besides to have relevant projects. Thus, the objective of this paper is to analyse the efforts aimed at the transition to a circular economy in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, considering technological, legal–regulatory, and financial points of view under a market orientation. Complementary, we pointed out the main initiatives related to the circular economy and the areas of interest. To gather data, we conducted applied, descriptive and qualitative research. The data collection was based on documental analysis, and also considering the results of previous questionnaires and interviews. In addition, we applied a dedicated questionnaire and we consider the outcomes of the project Reinwaste—Remanufacture the food supply chain by testing Innovative solutions for zero inorganic waste. The unit of analysis was the project conducted by ART-ER, entitled “ Accelerare la transizione verso l’economia circolare in Emilia-Romagna: Uno studio sullo stato dell’arte, le competenze e i bisogni tecnologici e finanziari ”. This paper can be useful for researchers and practitioners acting in this field, which can use the results based on public and private policies, investment decisions and further studies.

Keywords: circular economy; Emilia-Romagna region; financial aspect; legal–regulatory aspects; market orientation; sustainability; technological aspects; transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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