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Towards an ecological metaphor for regenerative circular economies

Author

Listed:
  • Zisopoulos, Filippos K.
  • Fath, Brian D.
  • de Oliveira, Bruno Meirelles
  • Toboso-Chavero, Susana
  • D'Assenza-David, Hugo
  • de Souza, Vitor Miranda
  • Huang, Hao
  • Scrieciu, Şerban
  • Clark, O. Grant
  • Noll, Dominik
  • Singh, Simron
  • Stefanakis, Alexandros
  • Boyd, Graham
  • Schraven, Daan
  • de Jong, Martin

Abstract

An ecological metaphor can enable transitions towards regenerative circular economies. Yet, this potential remains latent because its conceptual development, which is a prerequisite for its practical operationalization, is in its incipient phase and largely vague. To strengthen its epistemological underpinning, we propose a forward-looking interdisciplinary research agenda which brings together theories, ontological positions, analytical approaches, and strategies of action from ecological economics, panarchy theory, socio-metabolic research, process ecology, environ network theory, the constructal law, nature-based solutions, complexity economics, doughnut economics, regenerative economics, and ergodicity economics. The agenda facilitates the concentration, consolidation, and acceleration of theoretical and methodological innovation for the generation and accumulation of a diverse yet coherent body of knowledge on the interpretation of the process of regeneration and for illuminating the ways in which regenerative circular economies may function.

Suggested Citation

  • Zisopoulos, Filippos K. & Fath, Brian D. & de Oliveira, Bruno Meirelles & Toboso-Chavero, Susana & D'Assenza-David, Hugo & de Souza, Vitor Miranda & Huang, Hao & Scrieciu, Şerban & Clark, O. Grant & N, 2025. "Towards an ecological metaphor for regenerative circular economies," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:231:y:2025:i:c:s092180092500028x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108545
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