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“Increasing returns through circularity: a theory of production residuals for sustainable circular transitions”

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  • Tagliani, Giovanni

Abstract

The concepts of environmental sustainability and economic development, the former founded on the assumption of a planet with finite resources while the latter privileges growth driven by increasing returns, find their most difficult junction in the current era of climate change. Starting from the sustainable transition literature and structural dynamics models, this paper outlines a theory of production residuals showing how residuals are generated, their typology, and how to innovatively use them. The paper analyses the economic implications of residuals in the context of 'one way' and circular representations of production and contributes to the study of sustainable circular transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Tagliani, Giovanni, 2025. "“Increasing returns through circularity: a theory of production residuals for sustainable circular transitions”," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 913-925.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:75:y:2025:i:c:p:913-925
    DOI: 10.1016/j.strueco.2025.10.018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling

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