| Abstract |
Europe needs a strategy strong enough to decouple economic growth from natural resource use, because our future competitiveness depends on it. An action plan of initiatives can help, but will not lead to systemic change. The framework of discussion must be set for coherent actions, for the private sector to invest in the right direction and for the urban professionals to bring new insights how it affects quality of urban life. Systemic change is possible only if the circular economy concept is fully accepted in all policy areas and integrated in the economic governance process "As Europe is more dependent on imported resources than any other region in the world, moving towards a circular economy is an economic and ecological win-win scenario." (The Parliament, 2015). This paper describes the theoretical basis of Circular Economy, it's foundation and future trends and why it is relevant to most of the European cities, where complexity and conflict arises after certain crashes, instability or disappearance of local industry. The circular economy is not just an opportunity for business and research institutions, but it is a necessity for Europe. I also present empirical evidence of how post-industrial cities are already gaining speed in economic prosperity where Circular Economy is being introduced and implemented as a concept. In the Section 1 I will relate to the today's general problem within linear economy while juxtaposing it to the concept of Circular Economy at the same time introducing it to a wider audience. Where does it come from and how it's interest among European cities is only growing and why? Besides that, paper overviews the work progress led by European Commission in shaping how law acts can help to implement circular economy. Section 2 presents the theoretical basis of Circular Economy by defining it's general ideas, approaches, step by step methods and strategies. It also gives insights of upcoming challenges and how to deal with them through research and design. Section 3 describes two case studies: one in Genk, Belgium and second in Dortmund, Germany. Both cities experienced the crash of industry while Circular Economy takes shape and is being developed through certain planned or unplanned ways. The section would end in discussing problems raised throughout paper and reflecting to ISOCARP workshop, which will take place in analysed city of Dortmund with relative workshop theme of "How to leverage economic growth from spatial projects". Finally in order to reach the broader audience and present the findings to the 51st ISOCARP congress, this paper will be translated through sets of visual communication methods into video format. |