Chaire d'excellence européenne sur l'Économie circulaire et Territoires

European Chair of Excellence

Circular Economy and Territories

Présentation
Actus et events
Recherche et expertise
Ressources et publications
Partenariats

The European Chair of Excellence 'Circular Economy and Territories' is a Jean Monnet Chair funded by the European Commission's Erasmus+ program. Its ambition is to foster the implementation of the circular economy in territories by offering expertise and information, as well as facilitating dialogue and collective reflection.

Cities and regions play a crucial role in promoting circularity through policies, incentives, and initiatives for reuse, recycling, or recovery. However, out of over 800 cities with a population above 50,000, fewer than 40 have implemented circular economy strategies, indicating slow progress. Reasons for this include a lack of knowledge, challenges in including diverse voices, and underestimating the importance of the local dimension in circular strategies.

Mission and objectives

Conducting research and expertise

Identifying barriers and drivers to the deployment of the circular economy. Mapping existing initiatives in the main sectors affected by the circular transition. Studying the business models and governance strategies implemented.

Raising awareness

Highlighting best practices to create a strong motivation to act – encouraging repair, reuse, or borrowing instead of buying and wasting – and giving greater visibility to existing solutions and projects.

Creating synergies among stakeholders

Initiating and facilitating encounters between businesses, industry, research, and people to collaborate and dialogue.

Working with all voices and scales

Policymakers

Public authorities have a strong impact on shaping the circular economy at the local level through incentives or schemes. They also play a crucial role in sectors such as waste management, construction, recycling, urban transport, and water supply, where circular practices occur.

Businesses

Manufacturers, companies, and startups are pivotal in driving change. Their commitment to creating industrial symbiosis, advocating for eco-design, and incorporating sustainable materials to mitigate waste production, makes them valuable collaborators.

Citizens

Citizens need to understand the potential of the circular economy in terms of responsible consumption, well-being, and job creation. We will ensure their engagement by organizing awareness-raising activities and providing information.

Chair Members

Sébastien BOURDIN

Chairholder

Full Professor of Economic Geography

Fabien NADOU

Associate Professor of Territorial Development and Regional Economics

Amandine LARÉ

Associate Professor of Social and Solidarity Economics

Marine BASTIÉGE

Assistant Professor of Economics, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Public Management

Ana Beatriz LOPES DE SOUSA JABBOUR

Full Professor of Supply Chain Management for Sustainable Development

Moacir GODINHO FILHO

Full Professor of Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Florian FAVREAU

Associate Professor of Accounting and Public Management

Venkataswamy Gurusamy VENKATESH

Full Professor of Global Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Sneha KUMARI

Assistant Professor of Agricultural Supply Chains ∙ Symbiosis International University

Nicolas JACQUET

Research Assistant

Olivier LAMIRAULT

Director of Innovation and Educational Technologies

Valentin LECAILLEZ

Research Valorization Officer

Best Dissertation Award in Circular Economy

In line with its mission to promote circular economy initiatives in Europe, the European Chair of Excellence on Circular Economy invites final-year Master's students to submit their Dissertation/Thesis for consideration. The award will be judged by a panel of academics and professionals to recognize the best work in Human and Social Sciences. Submissions are open to research, professional, and undifferentiated courses.

The prize will be awarded to the student who has demonstrated a deep understanding of their subject matter, and the ability to present their findings in a clear and concise manner.

Prize

The recipient of the award will receive a grant of 500 euros.
Key findings of the Dissertation/Thesis will be published across the Chair's networks.

Application deadline

All applications must be submitted by May 1, 2024.

Application requirements

The application file must include:

Presentation of your Dissertation/Thesis (500 words max.)
Concise analysis note (500 words max.)
Digital version of the Dissertation/Thesis

Applying

Before submitting your application, please review the rules
Send your 3 documents in PDF format to sbourdin@em-normandie.fr

Territorialization of the circular economy

Analysis of the importance of proximity between players and resources, emphasizing job creation and territorial integration, and examination of local public policies supporting the circular economy.

Industrial symbiosis and inter-company cooperation

Case studies on local industrial ecology and cooperation among companies to foster more sustainable processes.

Governance and territorial development

Exploration of governance modes and territorial development through the lens of the circular economy, with a focus on specific opportunities and challenges in specific territories.

Business model innovation

Research on new business models that promote the circular economy, and the cultivation of dynamic organizational capabilities for a sustainable transition.

Supply chain management and operations management

Investigation of innovative practices in supply chain management, including eco-design, material recycling, and reuse to minimize waste and enhance energy efficiency. Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to optimize product and information flows, enhance product traceability, and facilitate the establishment of return and recycling systems.