A circular economy: a case study on the role of the local government in Nijmegen

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2017-11-07
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en
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Abstract
This thesis aims to gain a better understanding of the emergence of the concept ‘Circular Economy’, and correlating role for the local government of Nijmegen. The exploratory nature of this research called for a qualitative case study through semi-structured interviews. This allowed for a comparison between the literature (theory) and the empirics. The results showed that a circular economy revolves around the flow of materials, while aiming to decouple resource depletion from economic growth. It thus not provide a blueprint as to how this is achieved on a micro-level. The most feasible ways of achieving this (in general) is by focusing on the design of products (ensuring recycling instead of down-cycling), and finding new linkages after a material has served its consumerist purpose (thus focusing on the end of a value chain). The diversity within this construct, also introduced a diverse set of government practices in which a pragmatic approach is central. Several examples of such practices are (when focusing on the end of the supply chain), purposively bringing actors together in order to stimulate the forming of new linkages amongst local actors. Also important is improving the coordination and communication several governmental branches (primarily between the local government and the ODRN) in order to make it easier to apply for licenses regarding material usage. Stimulating the market (aimed at improving the design of products) can be done most efficiently by the government’s own procurement policy. After all, circular demand, will generate circular supply.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen
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