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Linda Stihl

Linda Stihl

Postdoctoral fellow

Linda Stihl

Global circular networks and couplings : Towards a multi-scalar architecture of the circular economy

Author

  • Jonathan Friedrich
  • Linda Stihl
  • Johan Miorner
  • Vitor Miranda de Souza
  • Fredrik Nilsson
  • Markus Grillitsch

Summary, in English

We conceptualize a globally integrated circular economy through the notion of global circular networks (GCN) and identify the key mechanisms of circular (de-)coupling. We develop a novel conceptual framework by integrating concepts from literatures on global production networks (GPN) and the circular economy (CE). The framework combines four essential dimensions of these couplings - actors, resources, functions, and geography - which we illustrate with empirical examples. Our framework establishes a multi-scalar understanding of the CE, that can inform both empirical research approaches and policy making at different levels on how to rethink global entanglements and drive circularity-oriented changes.

Department/s

  • CIRCLE
  • Department of Human Geography
  • Department of Economic History
  • Department of Service Studies
  • Packaging Logistics
  • Department of Design Sciences

Publishing year

2026

Language

English

Pages

352-373

Publication/Series

Progress in Human Geography

Volume

50

Issue

3

Document type

Article

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Topic

  • Economic Geography

Keywords

  • Circular Economy
  • Global economy
  • Global production networks
  • Global value chains
  • transitions towards non-standard employment and unemployment
  • SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

Status

Published

Project

  • Excellence Programme for Sustainable Development
  • Circular Value & Supply Chains, Regional Development, and Multi-Level Policy Dynamics

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0309-1325