"The circular economy concept is much discussed in the European Union (EU), but only limited progress has been accomplished so far regarding its implementation. Most scholarly studies blame this on various technological barriers. Our work rebuts these studies. We present the first large-N-study on circular economy barriers in the EU (208 survey respondents, 47 expert interviews). We find that cultural barriers, particularly a lack of consumer interest and awareness as well as a hesitant company culture, are considered the main circular economy barriers by businesses and policy-makers....

This study aims to answer three main research tasks:

- Identify key succes factors as wel as issues hindering the development of industrial symbiosis
- Assess policy actions that support industrial symbiosis at different levels
- Assess the feasibility and options of EU-level interventions to contribute to scaling up and promoting IS initiatives across Europe or an EU-level trading platform for secondary raw materials (p. 10)

"The Finnish Roadmap to achieve a Circular Economy goal is to create a shared mindset in Finnish society to promote the circular economy and determine the most effective means to do it. The Roadmap focuses on 5 focus areas, topics that will initially be used in advancing the circular economy in Finland. Based on Finland’s traditional strengths, these topics include a sustainable food system, forest-based loops, technical loops, transport and logistics, and joint actions." (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/en/...

"“Towards a Model of Circular Economy for Italy - Overview and Strategic Framework” is a document that defines Italy’s strategic positioning on the issue in line with the commitments adopted under the Paris Agreement, UN Agenda 2030, G7 Communiqué and within EU. The document calls for a "change of paradigm" for Italy's economy, for a new way to consume, produce and do business. There is a need for a new industrial policy aimed at sustainability and innovation capable of increasing the competitiveness of products and manufacturing. Considering the importance of the document, the Italian...

""Leading the transition: a circular economy action plan for Portugal" was recently adopted by the portuguese Council of Ministers in december 11th 2017, published in the Journal of the Portuguese Government." (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/en/strategies)

"Natural resources are defined as all components of nature: biotic and abiotic resources, physical space (such as land), environmental media (water, soil and air), flow resources (such as geothermal, wind, tide and solar energy), and the diversity of all living organisms. Natural resources are essential for life on our planet, and always will be. Many natural resources, however, are in limited supply. Conserving natural resources is therefore of vital importance, including for future generations. The Federal Government embraces its responsibility in this regard. As early as 2002, it set a...

"Circular Flanders is the hub and the inspiration for the Flemish circular economy. It is a partnership of governments, companies, civil society, and the knowledge community that will take action together. These organisations are the core of our partnership. Each one has committed to carrying out a specific action." (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/kick-off_...)

"Germany had an early start on its pathway towards a more efficient and sustainable growth. During the last decades, it developed ambitious energy, industrial, and environmental policies at the national level and played a very strong role in these areas at the European level. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the country’s strong  environmental  framework  makes  Germany  a  pioneer  in  sustainable development, which shows that a more efficient and low-carbon economy is compatible with growth (OECD, 2012). Germany’s National Strategy for...

"The London circular economy route map outlines a vision of a capital city thriving through the adoption of the principles of circular economy: an economy which keeps products, components and materials at their highest use and value at all times." (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/en/strategies)

"Germany is world champion when it comes to its recycling rate - but it's still a long way to a circular economy, says Henning Wilts from the Wuppertal Institute, who has analysed the status quo of the circular economy in Germany for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES). Its development is not only justified from the point of view of climate and environmental policies but it is also on economic-political grounds an integrated part of a resource efficiency strategy." (https://wupperinst.org/en/a/wi/a/s/ad/3551/)