The Territorial Circular Ecosystem: Foundations for a Systemic and Place-Based Approach to Circular Economy

André  Torre; Sebastien Bourdin

doi:10.55845/joce-2026-4181

Authors

André Torre Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, France Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5644-7520
Sebastien Bourdin EM Normandie Business School, France Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7669-705X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/joce-2026-4181

Keywords:

Circular Economy, Territorial Governance, Local Production Systems, Industrial Symbiosis, Proximity, Green Clusters, Territorial Circular Ecosystem

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of the Territorial Circular Ecosystem (TCE) as a framework to understand the conditions that support the deployment of circular economy principles at the local level. It draws on the legacy of local production systems, from Marshallian districts to more recent approaches such as green clusters and industrial symbioses. These models have contributed to the ecological transition of economic systems but continue to show important limitations regarding for example the coordination of actors, the integration of stakeholders, and the implementation of circular strategies based on the 10R. The TCE framework defines a set of components and relational mechanisms rooted in territorial dynamics. It places emphasis on various types of local cooperation, geographical and organized proximities, institutional support, and societal involvement. This contribution establishes a conceptual foundation for the analysis of local circular systems and provides useful orientations for public policy and future empirical research.

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