Public policies on circular economy: A systematic review

Circular economy (CE) can drive our society towards sustainable development. An adequate policy landscape is considered among the most effective ways to encourage firms to adopt circularity. However, there is little clarity as to the most effective public policies to push companies towards implementing this concept. This is particularly challenging in the European Union, where these policies are fragmented and inconsistent. This paper aims at addressing this issue by performing a systematic literature review of 54 publications. These were analyzed to identify the policy measures that scholars consider relevant in supporting firms in the adoption of CE. I also highlight the gaps in the current policy scenario that need further investigation. This methodological approach can help future researchers to bring more clarity and coherence to public policies on circularity, and the issue of the fragmentation that characterizes them can be overcome.