Mapping and assessing indicator-based frameworks for monitoring circular economy development at the city-level

The transition to a circular economy is increasingly recognised as a promising approach to tackling urban sustainability challenges. Indicator-based frameworks are useful tools for monitoring this transition, although there are hardly any studies that analyse the effectiveness of these frameworks. Papageorgiou et al. therefore evaluate 15 such frameworks in a study based on eight criteria.

In this study, none of the frameworks fulfil all the criteria; most are based primarily on environmental indicators and disregard others (social, economic and governance-related). Only eight of the 15 frameworks were designed with specific CE principles in mind.

However, frameworks should include indicators that consider all dimensions of sustainability to enable a holistic assessment. Future research should therefore focus on providing empirical evidence from different case studies to understand the suitability of the identified frameworks in different contexts and identify opportunities for improvement.

Overall, the study shows that the transition to a circular economy is a multi-layered and complex process that needs to be supported by robust and comprehensive indicator-based frameworks to promote sustainable urban development.