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Transitions in Theory and Practice: Managing Metals in the Circular Economy

Author

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  • Melissa Jackson

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) P.O. Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Aleta Lederwasch

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) P.O. Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

  • Damien Giurco

    (Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) P.O. Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia)

Abstract

Transitioning from current resource management practice dominated by linear economic models of consumption and production, to circular models of resource use, will require insights into the stages and processes associated with socio-technical transitions. This paper is concerned with transitions in practice. It explores two frameworks within the transitions literature—the multi-level perspective and transition management theory—for practical guidance to inform a deliberate transition in practice. The critical futures literature is proposed as a source of tools and methods to be used in conjunction with the transition frameworks to influence and enable transitions in practice. This enhanced practical guidance for initiating action is applied to a specific context—transitioning the Australian metals sector towards a circular economy model. This particular transition case study is relevant because the vision of a circular economy model of resource management is gaining traction internationally, Australia is significant globally as a supplier of finite mineral resources and it will also be used in a collaborative research project on Wealth from Waste to investigate possibilities for the circular economy and metals recycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Melissa Jackson & Aleta Lederwasch & Damien Giurco, 2014. "Transitions in Theory and Practice: Managing Metals in the Circular Economy," Resources, MDPI, vol. 3(3), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:3:y:2014:i:3:p:516-543:d:38082
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Moritz Böhmecke‐Schwafert & Marie Wehinger & Robin Teigland, 2022. "Blockchain for the circular economy: Theorizing blockchain's role in the transition to a circular economy through an empirical investigation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(8), pages 3786-3801, December.
    2. Francesca Gennari, 2023. "The transition towards a circular economy. A framework for SMEs," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 27(4), pages 1423-1457, December.
    3. Alina Butu & Steliana Rodino & Marian Butu, 2023. "Global Research Progress and Trends on Critical Metals: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-18, March.
    4. Arezoo Ghazanfari, 2023. "An Analysis of Circular Economy Literature at the Macro Level, with a Particular Focus on Energy Markets," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-24, February.
    5. Gavin Melles, 2023. "The Circular Economy Transition in Australia: Nuanced Circular Intermediary Accounts of Mainstream Green Growth Claims," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-18, September.

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