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Circular material use and regional club convergence of resource productivity in the European union

Author

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  • Md Rohidul Islam

    (Ilmenau University of Technology)

  • Joshua Adeyemi Afolabi

    (Ilmenau University of Technology)

Abstract

This study investigates whether Circular Material Use (CMU) fosters convergence in resource productivity across the 27 European Union (EU) countries, relying on data spanning 2000-2023. Using Phillips and Sul’s club convergence framework, we identify four distinct convergence clubs, demonstrating persistent disparities. Our ordered probit analysis reveals that higher CMU significantly increases a country’s likelihood of belonging to a higher resource productivity club. These findings underscore CMU’s role in bridging resource productivity gaps and emphasize the need for targeted circular economy policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Rohidul Islam & Joshua Adeyemi Afolabi, 2025. "Circular material use and regional club convergence of resource productivity in the European union," Letters in Spatial and Resource Sciences, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:lsprsc:v:18:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12076-025-00416-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s12076-025-00416-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • Q32 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Exhaustible Resources and Economic Development
    • Q38 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Government Policy (includes OPEC Policy)
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General

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