Institutionalising the circular economy in regional strategies in Poland: An adaptive governance approach

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24917/20801653.382.1

Keywords:

circular economy, development strategy, institutionalization, NUTS-2, regional strategy, regions; voivodeship

Abstract

A new concept charting a new direction for regional socio -economic development in the early 2020s is the circular economy (CE). The novelty means that there is no empirically verified methodology for implementation, and therefore, the extent and scope of incorporating CE into regional declarations and actions will vary. For regions, structured activities should follow the adopted development strategy. Therefore, based on an analysis of the invocation of the CE concept in elements of the strategic management model, included in the regional development strategy (2018–2021), it is possible to determine the degree of its structuring. For this purpose, content analysis and correlation analysis were used. The study aims to explain differences in the institutionalisation of CE in voivodeship development strategies in Poland. The article hypothesises that a high level of CE structuring is correlated with its definition in the strategy and also the state of the environment in the region, and explains the variation in CE institutionalisation using adaptive governance theory. We conclude, based on the results, that regions with higher environmental pollution use CE in more detail in regional development strategies.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Author Biographies

Marek Ćwiklicki, Krakow University of Economics

Marek Ćwiklicki, Ph.D., Dr Habil., Full Professor, Professor at the Krakow University of Economics. Head of the Department of Public Management in the College of Economics and Public Administration. Professor of Social Sciences (2020), Dr. Habil. in economics in the discipline of management science (2012), PhD in economics in the discipline of management science (2003). Author and co- author of works on the transition and implementation of circular business models, digital and social entrepreneurship, public management and quality management. Editor and co- editor of academic journals (e.g. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, Social Entrepreneurship Review, Journal of Public Governance. Research interests: the circular economy and sustainable development, social entrepreneurship, public management, quality management, university- business cooperation, research methodology

Anna Mirzyńska, Krakow University of Economics

Anna Mirzyńska, research assistant at the Krakow University of Economics. In June 2022, she opened her dissertation with the topic The institutionalization of the circular economy into national public policy in 2015–2022. She is implementing a grant funded by the National Science Center concerning CE policy creation in Poland. Research interests: circular economy, CSR, sustainable development, the social economy ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5446-938X

Michał Żabiński, Krakow University of Economics

Michał L. Żabiński is an assistant professor at the University of Economics in Krakow. His main research interests include institutional economics, behavioral economics and narrative economics, local government and public management. An expert actively involved in many national research and implementation projects in the fields of public management, quality management in local government administration and the social economy. Co -author and expert in the implementation of the Institutional Development Planning method – the Polish method of self -assessment of institutional development in local government units. Author and co -author of several dozen academic publications in the fields of public management, functioning of local government administration and quality management in local government administration.

References

Abad -Segura, E., Fuente, A.B.D.L., González- Zamar, M.-D., Belmonte -Ureña, L.J. (2020). Effects of circular economy policies on the environment and sustainable growth: worldwide research. Sustainability, 12(14), 5792. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145792

Agovino, M., Casaccia, M., Ciommi, M., Ferrara, M., Marchesano, K. (2019). Agriculture, climate change and sustainability: The case of EU-28. Ecological Indicators, 105, 525–543. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.04.064

Alizadeh, M., Kashef, A., Yu, W., Jun, W., Kremer, G.E.O., Ma, J. (2023). Circular economy conceptualization using text mining analysis. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 35, 643–654. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2022.12.016

Anttiroiko, A.-V. (2023). Smart circular cities: Governing the relationality, spatiality, and digitality in the promotion of circular economy in an urban region. Sustainability, 15(17), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712680

Arsova, S., Genovese, A., Ketikidis, P.H. (2022). Implementing circular economy in a regional context: A systematic literature review and a research agenda. Journal of Cleaner Production, 368, 133117. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133117

Arterton, F.C. (2023). Strategy in politics: Plotting victory in a democracy. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ashton, W. (2008). Understanding the organization of industrial ecosystems: A social network approach. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 12(1), 34–51. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530– 9290.2008.00002.x

Avdiushchenko, A. (2018). Toward a circular economy regional monitoring framework for european regions: Conceptual approach. Sustainability, 10(12), 4398. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124398

Borusiak, B., Szymkowiak, A., Lopez- Lluch, D.B., Sanchez- Bravo, P. (2021). The role of environmental concern in explaining attitude towards second- hand shopping. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 9(2), 71–83. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2021.090205

Braams, R.B., Wesseling, J.H., Meijer, A.J., Hekkert, M.P. (2022). Understanding why civil servants are reluctant to carry out transition tasks. Science and Public Policy, 49(6), Article 6. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/scipol/scac037

Busu, M., Trica, C.L. (2019). Sustainability of circular economy indicators and their impact on economic growth of the European Union. Sustainability, 11(19), Article 19. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195481

Cader, J., Koneczna, R., Marciniak, A. (2023). Indicators for a circular economy in a regional context: An approach based on Wielkopolska region, Poland. Environmental Management. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-023-01887-w

Chennak, A., Giannakas, K., Awada, T. (2023). On the economics of the transition to a circular economy. Circular Economy and Sustainability. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-02300297-8

Chertow, M.R., Ashton, W.S., Espinosa, J.C. (2008). Industrial symbiosis in Puerto Rico: Environmentally related agglomeration economies. Regional Studies, 42(10), 1299–1312. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/00343400701874123

Christensen, T.B., Johansen, M.R., Buchard, M.V., Glarborg, C.N. (2022). Closing the material loops for construction and demolition waste: The circular economy on the island Bornholm, Denmark. Resources, Conservation & Recycling Advances, 15, 200104. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2022.200104

Churski, P. (2023). Trzy dekady kształtowania polskiej polityki regionalnej – refleksje, wnioski i rekomendacje. Rozwój Regionalny i Polityka Regionalna, 65, 37–52. doi: https://doi.org/10.14746/rrpr.2023.65.04

Cleaver, F., Whaley, L. (2018). Understanding process, power, and meaning in adaptive governance: A critical institutional reading. Ecology and Society, 23(2), 49. doi: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-10212-230249

COM. (2023). A Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net ‑Zero Age. Retrieved from: https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2023–02/COM_2023_62_2_EN_ACT_A%20Green%20Deal%20Industrial%20Plan%20for%20the%20Net- Zero%20Age.pdf (access: 9.01.2024).

Cramer, J. (2020). How network governance powers the circular economy. Amsterdam: Amsterdam Economic Board.

Cramer, J. (2022). Effective governance of circular economies: An international comparison. Journal of Cleaner Production, 343, 130874. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130874

Duong, C.D., Wach, K., Vu, N.X., Ha, S.T., Nguyen, B.N. (2022). Entrepreneurial education, government policies and programmes, and entrepreneurial behaviour: A serial moderated mediation model. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 10(4), 37–54. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2022.100403

Dymek, Ł. (2020). Rozwój regionu a krajowe dokumenty strategiczne. In: Przemiany społeczno‑gospodarcze i przestrzenne oraz wyzwania rozwojowe. Opole: Politechnika Opolska, 15–30.

Engelman, R. (2013). Beyond Sustainababble, 3–16. doi: https://doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091458-1_1

Ferronato, N., Rada, E.C., Gorritty Portillo, M.A., Cioca, L.I., Ragazzi, M., Torretta, V. (2019). Introduction of the circular economy within developing regions: A comparative analysis of advantages and opportunities for waste valorization. Journal of Environmental Management, 230, 366–378. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.095

Folke, C., Hahn, T., Olsson, P., Norberg, J. (2005). Adaptive governance of social -ecological systems. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 30(1), 441–473. doi: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.30.050504.144511

Fuertes, G., Alfaro, M., Vargas, M., Gutierrez, S., Ternero, R., Sabattin, J. (2020). Conceptual framework for the strategic management: A literature review – descriptive. Journal of Engineering, 1–21. doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6253013

Gackstatter, A., Goehlich, V. (2022). Implementing organisational ambidexterity for a successful transformation of the automotive supply industry towards a green future. Social Entrepreneurship Review, 1, 83–104. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2022.1.07

Geng, Y., Zhu, Q., Doberstein, B., Fujita, T. (2009). Implementing China’s circular economy concept at the regional level: A review of progress in Dalian, China. Waste Management, 29(2), 996–1002. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2008.06.036

Ghisellini, P., Cialani, C., Ulgiati, S. (2016). A review on circular economy: The expected transition to a balanced interplay of environmental and economic systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 114, 11–32. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.007

Hysa, E., Kruja, A., Rehman, N.U., Laurenti, R. (2020). Circular economy innovation and environmental sustainability impact on economic growth: An integrated model for sustainable development. Sustainability, 12(12), Article 12. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124831

Janoušková, S., Hák, T., Nečas, V., Moldan, B. (2019). Sustainable development – a poorly communicated concept by mass media. Another challenge for SDGs? Sustainability, 11(11), 3181. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11113181

Kinnunen, J., Georgescu, I., Hosseini, Z., Androniceanu, A.-M. (2021). Dynamic indexing and clustering of government strategies to mitigate Covid-19. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 9(2), 7–20. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2021.090201

Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221–232. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005

Koop, S.H.A., van Leeuwen, C.J. (2017). The challenges of water, waste and climate change in cities. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 19, 2, 385–418. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10668-016-9760-4

Kowalska, K., Szyja, P. (2023). Cooperation of third sector entities and business for the implementation of the circular economy. Social Entrepreneurship Review, 1, 69–81. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2023.1.05

Kruse, M., Somcutean, C., Wedemeier, J. (2023). Productivity, smart specialisation, and innovation: empirical findings on EU macro- regions. REGION, 10(1), Article 1. doi: https://doi.org/10.18335/region.v10i1.419

Kruse, M., Wedemeier, J. (2023). Quantifying the Circular Economy in European Regions: A Bridge towards Smart Specialisation? REGION, 10(3), Article 3. doi: https://doi.org/10.18335/region.v10i3.498

Kukuła, K. (2019). Degree of environmental pollution in Poland – ranking of the voivodeships in 2016. Economic and Regional Studies / Studia Ekonomiczne i Regionalne, 12(1), 23–32. doi: https://doi.org/10.2478/ers-2019-0003

Le, T.N.P., Nguyen, K.H., Nguyen, N.T.H. (2023). How environmental understanding affects the green entrepreneurial intention of Centennials in Vietnam. Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, 11(4), 123–137. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/EBER.2023.110408

Lisjak, J., Schade, S., Kotsev, A. (2017). Closing data gaps with citizen science? Findings from the Danube Region. ISPRS International Journal of Geo‑ Information, 6(9), 277. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi6090277

Loiseau, E., Saikku, L., Antikainen, R., Droste, N., Hansjürgens, B., Pitkänen, K., Leskinen, P., Kuikman, P., Thomsen, M. (2016). Green economy and related concepts: An overview. Journal of Cleaner Production, 139, 361–371. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.08.024

Lovas, B., Ghoshal, S. (2000). Strategy as guided evolution. Strategic Management Journal, 21(9), Article 9.

Mattiussi, A., Rosano, M., Simeoni, P. (2014). A decision support system for sustainable energy supply combining multi -objective and multi -attribute analysis: An Australian case study. Decision Support Systems, 57, 150–159. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2013.08.013

Mays, N., Pope, C., Popay, J. (2005). Systematically reviewing qualitative and quantitative evidence to inform management and policy -making in the health field. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 10(1), 6–20.

Meglin, R., Kytzia, S., Habert, G. (2022). Regional circular economy of building materials: Environmental and economic assessment combining Material Flow Analysis, Input -Output Analyses, and Life Cycle Assessment. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 26(2), 562–576. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13205

Melnyk, O., Horbal, N., Ruda, M., Sroka, W. (2021). Assessing the implementation of the circular economy in the EU countries. Forum Scientiae Oeconomia, 9, Article 9. doi: https://doi.org/10.23762/FSO_VOL9_NO1_2

Merli, R., Preziosi, M., Acampora, A. (2018). How do scholars approach the circular economy? A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 178, 703–722. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.112

Mhatre, P., Panchal, R., Singh, A., Bibyan, S. (2021). A systematic literature review on the circular economy initiatives in the European Union. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, 187–202. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2020.09.008

Modoi, O.-C., Mihai, F.-C. (2022). E -Waste and end- of- life vehicles management and circular economy initiatives in Romania. Energies, 15(3), Article 3. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/en15031120

Niang, A., Bourdin, S., Torre, A. (2023). The geography of circular economy: Job creation, territorial embeddedness and local public policies. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2023.2210749

Obersteg, A., Arlati, A., Acke, A., Berruti, G., Czapiewski, K., Dąbrowski, M., Heurkens, E., Mezei, C., Palestino, M.F., Varjú, V., Wójcik, M., Knieling, J. (2019). Urban regions shifting to circular economy: understanding challenges for new ways of governance. Urban Planning, 4(3), 19–31.

Partelow, S., Schlüter, A., Armitage, D., Bavinck, M., Carlisle, K., Gruby, R.L., Hornidge, A.-K., Le Tissier, M., Pittman, J.B., Song, A.M., Sousa, L.P., Văidianu, N., Van Assche, K. (2020). Environmental governance theories: A review and application to coastal systems. Ecology and Society, 25(4), Article 19. doi: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-12067-250419

Peters, B.G. (2021). Persistence and change in public administration. In: B.G. Peters, Administrative traditions. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 194–214. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198297253.003.0010

Petit -Boix, A., Leipold, S. (2018). Circular economy in cities: Reviewing how environmental research aligns with local practices. Journal of Cleaner Production, 195, 1270–1281. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.05.281

Poister, T.H., Streib, G.D. (1999). Strategic management in the public sector: concepts, models, and processes. Public Productivity & Management Review, 22(3), Article 3. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/3380706

Prahalad C.K., Hamel G. (1994). Competing for the future. (Reprint 2010). Harvard Business Review Press. doi: https://hbr.org/1994/07/competing-for-the -future

Ranta, V., Keränen, J., Aarikka -Stenroos, L. (2020). How B2B suppliers articulate customer value propositions in the circular economy: Four innovation -driven value creation logics. In Industrial Marketing Management, 87, 291–305. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2019.10.007

Reike, D., Vermeulen, W.J.V., Witjes, S. (2018). The circular economy: New or Refurbished as CE 3.0? – Exploring Controversies in the Conceptualization of the Circular Economy through a Focus on History and Resource Value Retention Options. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 135, 246–264. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.08.027

Rui, H., Yip, G.S. (2008). Foreign acquisitions by Chinese firms: A strategic intent perspective. Journal of World Business, 43(2), Article 2. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwb.2007.11.006

Sabal, M. (2023). Implementation of EU policy on circular economy and social inclusion in Poland – opportunities for synergies. Social Entrepreneurship Review, 1, 25–43. https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2023.1.02

Sani, D., Picone, S., Bianchini, A., Fava, F., Guarnieri, P., Rossi, J. (2021). 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. Sustainability, 13(2), 596. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020596

Sastre, S., Llopart, J., Puig Ventosa, I. (2018). Mind the gap: A model for the EU recycling target applied to the Spanish regions. Waste Management, 79, 415–427. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.07.046

Sileryte, R., Gil, J., Wandl, A., Van Timmeren, A. (2018). Introducing spatial variability to the impact significance assessment. In: A. Mansourian, P. Pilesjö, L. Harrie, R. Van Lammeren (rds.), Geospatial technologies for all. Springer International Publishing, 189–209. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78208-9_10

Sileryte, R., Sabbe, A., Bouzas, V., Meister, K., Wandl, A., van Timmeren, A. (2020). European waste statistics data for a circular economy monitor: opportunities and limitations from the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region – science direct. Journal of Cleaner Production, 358(131767), 1–11.

Smol, M., Avdiushchenko, A., Kulczycka, J., Nowaczek, A. (2018). Public awareness of circular economy in southern Poland: Case of the Malopolska region. Journal of Cleaner Production, 197, 1035–1045. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.06.100

Smol, M., Kulczycka, J., Avdiushchenko, A. (2017). Circular economy indicators in relation to eco-innovation in European regions. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 19(3), 669–678. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1323-8

Stemler, S. (2001). An overview of content analysis. Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, 7, Article 17. doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/Z6FM-2E34

Stucki, T., Woerter, M., Loumeau, N. (2023). Clearing the fog: How circular economy transition can be measured at the company level. Journal of Environmental Management, 326, 116749. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116749

Su, B., Heshmati, A., Geng, Y., Yu, X. (2013). A review of the circular economy in China: Moving from rhetoric to implementation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 42, 215–227. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.11.020

Szczygieł, E., Śliwa, R. (2023). Social economy entities as a place to develop green skills – research findings. Social Entrepreneurship Review, 1. doi: https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2023.1.03

Tapia, C., Bianchi, M., Pallaske, G., Bassi, A.M. (2021). Towards a territorial definition of a circular economy: Exploring the role of territorial factors in closed- loop systems. European Planning Studies, 29(8), 1438–1457. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2020.1867511

Tipurić, D. (2022). Strategic direction. In: D. Tipurić, The enactment of strategic leadership. Springer International Publishing, 121–145. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-03103799-3_5

Ustawa z dnia 5 czerwca 1998 r. O samorządzie województwa [Dz.U.2022.0.2094]. Pozyskano z: https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU19980910576/U/D19980576Lj.pdf (dostęp: 9.01.2024).

Valls -Val, K., Ibáñez- Forés, V., Bovea, M. D. (2022). How can organisations measure their level of circularity? A review of available tools. Journal of Cleaner Production, 354, 131679. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131679

Van Beers, D., Bossilkov, A., Corder, G., Van Berkel, R. (2007). Industrial symbiosis in the Australian Minerals Industry: The cases of Kwinana and Gladstone. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 11(1), 55–72. doi: https://doi.org/10.1162/jiec.2007.1161

Vandergert, P., Collier, M., Kampelmann, S., Newport, D. (2016). Blending adaptive governance and institutional theory to explore urban resilience and sustainability strategies in the Rome metropolitan area, Italy. International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, 8(2), 126–143. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/19463138.2015.1102726

Vanhamaki, S., Medkova, K., Malamakis, A., Kontogianni, S., Marisova, E., Huisman Dellago, D., Moussiopoulos, N. (2019). Bio- based circular economy in European national and regional strategies. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 14(01), Article 1. doi: https://doi.org/10.2495/SDP- V14-N1-31-43

Vanhamäki, S., Virtanen, M., Luste, S., Manskinen, K. (2020). Transition towards a circular economy at a regional level: A case study on closing biological loops. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 156, 104716. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104716

Wilkinson, C. (2012). Social -ecological resilience: Insights and issues for planning theory. Planning Theory, 11(2), 148–169. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1473095211426274

Winans, K., Kendall, A., Deng, H. (2017). The history and current applications of the circular economy concept. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 68, 825–833. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2016.09.123

Yalçın, N.G., Foxon, T.J. (2021). A systemic approach to transitions towards circular economy: The case of Brighton and Hove. Cleaner Environmental Systems, 3, 100038. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cesys.2021.100038

Zeller, V., Towa, E., Degrez, M., Achten, W.M.J. (2019). Urban waste flows and their potential for a circular economy model at city -region level. Waste Management, 83, 83–94. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2018.10.034

Downloads

Published

2024-06-27

How to Cite

Ćwiklicki, M., Mirzyńska, A., & Żabiński, M. (2024). Institutionalising the circular economy in regional strategies in Poland: An adaptive governance approach. Studies of the Industrial Geography Commission of the Polish Geographical Society, 38(2), 7–27. https://doi.org/10.24917/20801653.382.1