Governance of Urban Circular Economy Transition: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Research Directions

Thuan Minh Tu (), Quan Hong Nguyen (), Phuong Ngoc-Duy Nguyen (), Ho Hai Phan (), Phuong Kieu Lan Nguyen () and Luca Mora ()
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Thuan Minh Tu: International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM)
Quan Hong Nguyen: Institute for Environment and Resources, (VNU-HCM)
Phuong Ngoc-Duy Nguyen: International University, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM)
Ho Hai Phan: Ho Chi Minh City Cadre Academy
Phuong Kieu Lan Nguyen: Nguyen Tat Thanh University
Luca Mora: Edinburgh Napier University

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1897-1921

Abstract: Abstract The formulation of circular economy policies in urban contexts is an emerging field of studies, with cities playing an increasing vital role in driving the transition toward circularity. However, there is a lack of systemic understanding in academic literature on governing urban circular economy transition. The primary objective of this study is to offer a comprehensive analysis of the prominent trends, key characteristics, future research directions, and the evolution of the research field on governing urban circular economy transitions between 2002 and 2023. Drawing from 304 peer-reviewed articles sourced from the Scopus database, we propose a bibliometric analysis that builds on the PRIMA protocol and VOSviewer. Our findings show that the adoption of circular economy in urban areas is in its infancy and relatively underexplored. Moreover, most of the literature originated from China and European countries, with limited publications from developing nations. Current research streams cover urban governance, industrial ecology, energy transition, measurement, and digitalization. The novelty of this research lies in its ability to provide a systemic understanding of current developments in academic literature on governing urban circular economy transition. Additionally, it proposes a governance framework for urban circular economy transition. This study also enhances the current understanding of urban circular economy transition and offers insights for guiding future research.

Keywords: Circular economy; Cities; Sustainable urban transitions; Urban governance; Bibliometric study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-025-00517-3

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