The transition towards a sustainable circular economy (CE) model is seen as a solution to keep the consumption of the earth’s resources within planetary boundaries. In the regional context, the CE is promoted through various policy actions, one being the smart specialisation concept. This paper provides a novel approach to examining the spatial adaption of a CE through a conceptual framework of research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (S3) in Europe. This interdisciplinary research presents a multi-country comparison of S3 implementation in Europe in 12 regions that have defined the CE as a priority area. The data consist of interviews with representatives of organisations responsible for the regional S3 process. The findings indicate that a political demand exists for proceeding further with the construction of transformative activities involving the CE, but the models and stages of implementation vary. In addition, most regions still struggle with building specific monitoring and evaluation measures and mechanisms for the CE. Despite these challenges, promoting the CE as a strategic priority through the S3 process has, at least in some regions, helped define the CE targets and actions by focusing on existing regional assets and future potential.

The transition from a linear economy to a circular economy requires a new way of thinking. In a circular economy, products are used more intensively, for example, by sharing them with others. To understand the possibilities of the sharing economy, environmental, social and economic impacts all need to be considered. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the importance of the sharing economy as well as to increase understanding of how public sharing-economy services can be launched. The research methods used include a case-study approach and assessment of greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, an implemented cooperation process of creating a tool and device library (the Library of Things) in a small Finnish municipality is described. Furthermore, the library’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions during the first 14 months of operation is assessed. The results indicate that approximately 5752 kg CO₂eq was avoided during the 14-month period, assuming that with each loan, manufacturing of a new good was avoided. In addition, strong implications of local positive effects on social sustainability were found.

The anticipated climate change is intensifying short-term extreme weather events and changing their timing and frequency. It is having harmful impacts on local living conditions, such as human safety and health. Different settlements will face different risks. This case study examines how rural residents are prepared for the short-term climate risks caused by extreme weather events in Southern Finland. It also explores how these skills can be improved through public participation, including raising awareness and knowledge sharing. The scope of the study covered rural residential areas, excluding agricultural land. The case study in three rural villages included knowledge sharing and workshops with residents, climate risk reviews based on literature and field observations, and small-scale surveys based on self-assessment on how the experienced preparedness had changed. The results demonstrate that residents in the target villages experience themselves to be relatively well prepared for climate risks. Nevertheless, awareness raising resulting in increased knowledge seemed to make a positive impact on the residents’ preparedness skills in the studied areas. On average 25% of the respondents experienced that their preparedness skills had increased during the process, although this number has to be treated with caution due to small sample size and the study setting. The results encourage similar studies on a larger scale in Finnish rural areas.