Information as a catalyst for the circular economy

Abstract

The discussion on the circular economy has been dominated by biological and technical resource cycles, but recently, the role of information circulation has begun to receive attention. This chapter concentrates on examining information as a catalyst for the circular economy. Circulation of information can improve existing resource cycles and help in the discovery of completely new ones. Four empirical cases illustrate the presented model of information as an enabler of the circular economy. The model emphasises the role of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom hierarchy, and the hierarchy's relations that enable circular business. Furthermore, this chapter addresses information circulation at the intra-firm, network, and societal levels.