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The Role of Artificial Intelligence within Circular Economy Activities—A View from Ireland

Author

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  • Muhammad Salman Pathan

    (Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
    Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

  • Edana Richardson

    (School of Law and Criminology, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

  • Edgar Galvan

    (Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
    Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
    Lero, SFI Research Centre, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
    Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

  • Peter Mooney

    (Department of Computer Science, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
    Innovation Value Institute, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
    Hamilton Institute, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland)

Abstract

The world’s current linear economic model is unsustainable. This model encourages improper use of limited natural resources and causes abundant waste production resulting in severe harm to the environment. A circular economy (CE) is a sustainable, restorative, and regenerative alternative to the current linear economy and is gaining popularity worldwide. Amongst various digital technologies, Artificial intelligence (AI) is a crucial enabler for CE and can aid significantly with the adoption and implementation of CE in real-world applications. In this paper, we describe the intersection of AI and CE and policies around implementing CE principles using AI. As a means of grounding the discussion, we discuss some initiatives taken by the Irish government to adopt circularity and explore the role AI plays in these. We present a number of practical examples of AI and CE from Ireland. We argue that digitalisation has potential in CE and it has a major role to play in the transition towards CE. We close the paper by reflecting on future steps around practical implementations of AI-based CE processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Salman Pathan & Edana Richardson & Edgar Galvan & Peter Mooney, 2023. "The Role of Artificial Intelligence within Circular Economy Activities—A View from Ireland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:12:p:9451-:d:1169400
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Ziyuan Chi & Zhen Liu & Fenghong Wang & Mohamed Osmani, 2023. "Driving Circular Economy through Digital Technologies: Current Research Status and Future Directions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-28, December.
    4. Vincenzo Varriale & Mark Anthony Camilleri & Antonello Cammarano & Francesca Michelino & Julian Müller & Serena Strazzullo, 2025. "Unleashing digital transformation to achieve the sustainable development goals across multiple sectors," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 565-579, February.
    5. Sakshi Tyagi & Abhinav Goel & Anand Chauhan, 2026. "A Comprehensive Review of Circular Economy: Concepts, Strategies, and Future Perspectives," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 1-31, April.
    6. Zain Anwar Ali & Mahreen Zain & Raza Hasan & Hussain Al Salman & Bader Fahad Alkhamees & Faisal Abdulaziz Almisned, 2025. "Circular Economy Advances with Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin: Multiple-Case Study of Chinese Industries in Agriculture," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(1), pages 2192-2228, March.
    7. Ibrahim M. Awad & Hasan Nuseibeh & Alaa A. Amro, 2025. "Competitiveness in the Era of Circular Economy and Digital Innovations: An Integrative Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-23, May.
    8. Shakeel Ahmad & Xuepin Wu & Atta UR Rahman & Asad Ullah, 2025. "Unlocking industrial decarbonization: the catalytic role of artificial intelligence in circular economy practices from EU countries," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    9. Masoud Khakbazan & Hossein Ghanbari & Emran Mohammadi & Ronald Ravinesh Kumar & Amirhossein Ghasemi Abyaneh, 2026. "Exploring the role of AI-driven innovations in circular economy: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 60(1), pages 3177-3222, February.

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