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The skill requirements of the Circular Economy through job advertisements: evidence from Italy

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Abstract

While the determinants and the effects of the Circular Economy transition have been receiving growing attention, there is less empirical evidence on the implications of this transition for the labour market. This paper contributes to filling this gap through the analysis of a large sample of job advertisements collected during 2025 for the Italian labour market. Our empirical findings unveil regional disparities in the demand for circular economy-related jobs, and their substantial distinctiveness in terms of occupations type and skills compared to traditional jobs. Specifically, we document that circular jobs demand, on average, a larger and more diversified set of skills. These results support the implementation of supply-based policies aimed at training workers to acquire specific and more heterogeneous skills to foster the circular transition nationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Orsatti, Gianluca & Pialli, Guido & Quatraro, Francesco, 2026. "The skill requirements of the Circular Economy through job advertisements: evidence from Italy," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis LEI & BRICK - Laboratory of Economics of Innovation "Franco Momigliano", Bureau of Research in Innovation, Complexity and Knowledge, Collegio 202602, University of Turin.
    • Handle: RePEc:uto:labeco:202602
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Consoli, Davide & Marin, Giovanni & Marzucchi, Alberto & Vona, Francesco, 2016. "Do green jobs differ from non-green jobs in terms of skills and human capital?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(5), pages 1046-1060.
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