The Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning

Research Project: The potential of circular economy for rural development in Germany and Europe

Project briefing

  • Status Completed
  • Project duration August 2022 – November 2023
  • Programme Region gestalten

The circular economy approach offers great potential for rural regions in Germany and Europe, for instance regarding regional resilience, increased innovation capacity, a diversified economy, and the creation of new employment opportunities. While most documented case studies on circular economy systems focus on urban or industrial areas, this research project specifically concentrated on exploring the potential of circular economy practices in rural settings. In order to meet the need for research into the potential of circular economy for integrated rural development in Germany, findings from good examples in Germany and other European regions were collected and success factors and recommendations were derived.

Background

Initially, circular economy in Germany was understood synonymously with waste prevention and disposal. However, the contemporary understanding, e.g. by the European Commission, embraces a cross-sectoral approach that promotes a local, sustainable and just economy. The overarching goal is to decouple economic growth from resource consumption and maximise resource efficiency through strategies such as rethinking products, extending product lifespans, reusing, and recycling materials. As part of a broader vision, circular economy is seen as a crucial contributor to sustainable spatial and regional development, fostering resource-conserving local economies.

Objective

The research project aimed to analyse the potential of circular economy for rural development in Germany and Europe from a spatial perspective. Key questions addressed included:

  • What development potentials emerge from applying a circular economy in rural areas in Germany?
  • Which spatial and territorial factors are crucial for successfully implementing circular economy practices in rural areas?
  • Is the circular economy approach already being integrated into local and regional development strategies, and how is its implementation supported?
  • Which European rural regions have pioneered circular economy approaches, and which lessons can be applied to German rural regions?
  • What could be the framework for future funding to support the application and implementation of circular economy practices in rural regions in Germany?

The contractors for the research project were Prognos AG, Düsseldorf and the Institute for Rural Structural Research (IflS), Frankfurt am Main.

Contact us

  • Christina Bredella
    Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development
    Division RS 3 "European Spatial and Urban Development"
    Phone: +49 228 99401-2360
    Email: christina.bredella@bbr.bund.de

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