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Trends and Challenges in Regional Life Cycle Management: A Bibliometric Analysis

Author

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  • Alberto Bezama

    (Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Nora Mittelstädt

    (Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Daniela Thrän

    (Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
    Bioenergy Systems Department, Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum (DBFZ), 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Fritz Balkau

    (Sustainable Solutions, 75004 Paris, France)

Abstract

Life cycle management has become increasingly important in the formulation of regional sustainable development policies and programs, while research on and the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies are predominantly conducted in a business context or for materials and product-related issues. In light of the growing importance of regional policymaking, this article discusses the current scientific landscape of regional life cycle management approaches. It conducts a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database and integrates a co-word analysis to highlight important linkages. Our analysis reveals that an increasing number of papers have been published on regional-level LCAs in recent years; however, they remain focused on issues related to the traditional materials-oriented aspects. Conversely, little research appears to be conducted on regional life cycle management issues and activities. The research is strongly centralized, with a clustering of regional LCA studies within a relatively small group of countries, institutes, journals and authors. Despite a rapid increase in recently published papers, our analysis reveals a gap in research and knowledge transfer of regional LCA results to public policymakers and regional planners.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Bezama & Nora Mittelstädt & Daniela Thrän & Fritz Balkau, 2021. "Trends and Challenges in Regional Life Cycle Management: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10335-:d:636567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Badr Moutik & John Summerscales & Jasper Graham-Jones & Richard Pemberton, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment Research Trends and Implications: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-45, September.
    2. Fritz Balkau & Alberto Bezama & Noemie Leroy-Parmentier & Guido Sonnemann, 2021. "A Review on the Use of Life Cycle Methodologies and Tools in Sustainable Regional Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-41, September.
    3. Pradeleix, L. & Roux, P. & Bouarfa, S. & Bellon-Maurel, V., 2023. "Multilevel life cycle assessment to evaluate prospective agricultural development scenarios in a semi-arid irrigated region of Tunisia," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).

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