How can the circular economy-digitalization infrastructure support transformation to strong sustainability?

Abstract

How can the evolving nexus of circular economy with digitalization infrastructure support transformation to strong sustainability? In this perspective paper we seek to advance the discourse from a systems perspective by suggesting research questions that may lead to new insights and conceptualizations. We begin by framing the sustainability discourse in terms of a long-standing debate over the treatment of technological solutions, and by briefly describing the systems perspective we employ in outlining potential research questions that can advance this discourse. Specifically, we take three main layers of systems (patterns, structure, and mental models) and describe how they can help investigate and support circular economy-digital infrastructure transitions to stronger sustainability.