Multi-Actor Governance for a Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector: Bio-Districts

Stefano Poponi, Gabriella Arcese, Enrico Maria Mosconi, Francesco Pacchera, Olimpia Martucci and Grazia Chiara Elmo
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Stefano Poponi: Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business (DEIM), Tuscia University, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy
Gabriella Arcese: Faculty of Economics, Niccolò Cusano University, I-00166 Rome, Italy
Enrico Maria Mosconi: Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business (DEIM), Tuscia University, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy
Francesco Pacchera: Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business (DEIM), Tuscia University, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy
Olimpia Martucci: Department of Business Studies, Roma Tre University, 77-00145 Rome, Italy
Grazia Chiara Elmo: Faculty of Economics, Niccolò Cusano University, I-00166 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-21

Abstract: The transition of the European agri-food sector towards a sustainable production and consumption model is a key element of the Green Deal. The new European “Farm to Fork” strategy aims to make the food system fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. The consolidation and development of the organic model are two of the main objectives. In Italy, this development can be achieved through the Bio-District model. This model, which was born in the last ten years in Italy, is characterized by innovative multi-actor governance. From an explorative perspective, this study analyses the background literature on Bio-Districts and the context of the development of the Etruscan Roman Bio-District to understand the potential and the factors that allow the application of the principles of the Circular Economy. It focuses on multiple comparative analyses by using a qualitative–quantitative approach. The analysis of the context highlights the potential for expansion linked to an integrated short supply chain through three scenarios.

Keywords: Circular Economy; Bio-District; short supply chain; business model; agri-food; organic; BS 8001 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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