Speaker
Description
This research examines the degree of adoption and implementation of circular economy policies in the urban localities in the Center region of Romania from the perspective of local public
authorities. The study follows both the identification of the types of circular interventions
already applied and the evaluation of the institutional perception on their efficiency and
impact at the community level. The circular economy, as an alternative model to the traditional
linear economy, involves mantaining the value of resources in the economy for as long as
possible, reducing waste and promoting reuse, recycling and regeneration of resources.
The Center region, consisting of Alba, Brasov, Covasna, Harghita, Mures and Sibiu counties,
has a degree of urbanization of about 60% and comprises 57 cities, presenting a significant
diversity from both economic and ethno-demographic.This territorial variation offers a relevant
framework for comparative analysis of circular economy strategies al local level.
The research methodology is based on semi-structured interviews with representatives of the
urban authorities, regarding the identification of the existing circular policies, the reasoning
behind the implementation decisions, as well as the perception of the benefits brought in
economic, ecological and social aspects. The results will be analized by mixed methods,
combining qualitativee analysis with the statistical interpretation of the answers.
In a context in which sustainability and green transition policies become priorities at European
level, this research contributes how small and mendium-sized cities respond to this challenge.
The study also explores if the circular initiatives are strategically developed, depending on the
local specificity or applied fragmentarilly, in the absence of a coherent policy at regional level.
Among the identified limitations include unequal access to data and possible reluctance of
some local authorities in providing detailed information which may affect the exhaustive
character of the conclusions. Future research could extend the analysis at national level or
include a financial and environmental impact assesment of circular economy measures, as well
as an investigation of the most efficient local governance models on sustenability.
