Transition to a Circular Economy (CE) is about structural change and is predicated on the introduction of transformative eco-innovation (EI). Research on the CE–EI nexus has recently attracted attention both from an analytical and regulatory perspective. However, in-depth research exploring EI dynamics within the CE is still marginal, especially concerning the trends and dynamics of the pro-CE innovation policy and strategy. This paper addresses this gap by taking advantage of the burgeoning research on CE of the last 20 years and offers a new working synthesis. By implementing a “(systematic) review of (systematic) reviews”, this paper provides a new comprehensive framework for understanding pro-circular innovation strategies and, as a complement, argues the need to advance “circular innovation studies” as an agenda in its own right. Innovations related to recycling and recovery CE strategies along with business-model innovations and systemic/transformative innovations are found to be a major current trend in the research, connecting supply and demand side innovations and also driving other forms of innovation linked to design, product manufacturing, logistics and reverse logistics and end-of-life management and recovery. Additionally, of note is that the conceptual understanding of EI dynamics within a CE is still mainly implicit (rather than explicitly discussed) limiting the possibilities to advance knowledge in the area of innovation for CE: this is why we propose a “circular innovation studies” agenda.

Understanding which drivers and barriers exist in the development of a Circular Economy (CE) is a relevant and timely endeavour. The aim of this paper is to contribute to this debate by analysing evidence regarding the different factors helping and hampering the development of a CE. Specifically, this paper focuses on the eco-innovation (EI) pathway towards a CE, and tries to coordinate available but fragmented findings regarding how “transformative innovation” can foster this transition while removing obstacles to sustainability. Drawing upon a new corpus of both academic and non-academic literature, this work offers a framework for analysis, as well as an evidence-based survey of the challenges, for a green structural change of the economy. We argue that the combination of the innovation systems’ view with the more recent “transformation turn” in innovation studies may provide an appropriate perspective for understanding the transition to a CE. Ultimately, the paper aims to capitalise on these insights to contribute to the design of policy guidelines and organisational strategies.

Inserido no quadro conceptual da Ecologia Humana e da Ecologia da Saúde e analisando diversos estudos e relatórios de várias instituições como a Comissão Europeia ; o IPCC ; OCDE ; OMS ; ONU e WWF, este ensaio incide no debate acerca do impacto da degradação ambiental nos determinantes sociais da saúde (alimentação, ar, água, habitação) e em como as ações focadas na prevenção/mitigação das alterações climáticas podem ter um impacto positivo nas questões de saúde e na transição para um paradigma de desenvolvimento sustentável.Numa lógica de mútuo reforço, políticas ambientais e de maior responsabilidade ecológica terão impacto em termos de benefícios de saúde, ao mesmo tempo que o objetivo de mais saúde concede legitimidade acrescida à prevenção da degradação ambiental. Partindo de uma base analítica alicerçada nos indicadores que estas entidades de responsabilidade e relevo internacional vêm produzindo nos últimos anos, identificaram-se vantagens na afirmação da noção de que uma boa gestão ambiental desempenha um papel fundamental na proteção da saúde, defendendo uma abordagem integrada a estes temas.

As major population hubs, cities contribute substantially to resource consumption and pollution, while also serving as key arenas for innovation and sustainable development. Meanwhile, the European Union has prioritised the circular economy as a strategic pathway for urban transformation, with capital cities intended to have a crucial role in this transition. Drawing on an integrated literature review, this study therefore focuses on the assessment of circular economy strategies in 10 European Union capital cities. It evaluates three core dimensions: methodological clarity, stakeholder engagement, and accountability. Based on these criteria, we propose a typology that classifies strategies into three categories: “Robust”, “Moderate”, and “Basic”. Our findings highlight that, despite growing political commitment to the circular economy at urban level, many strategies suffer from limited stakeholder inclusion, vague implementation plans, and scarce accountability mechanisms. These gaps raise concerns about the disconnect between circular economy visions and urban realities. Overall, this study offers a replicable evaluation tool, while also highlighting the need for integrated, transparent, and participatory planning in the design of effective urban circular economy strategies.