Circular Economy Mainstream: an Analysis of Master Thesis and Dissertations

The specialized scientific production resulting from master's and doctoral research works and reports, indicates existing targets and advances in specialized research in circular economics. This study aims to develop a systematic literature review that highlights the thematic axes and areas of interest in the field of circular economics that are addressed in highly specialized studies, the result of master's and doctoral studies. 11 predominant areas of interest of researchers in theses and dissertations are identified, denominated as categories, and other 5 smaller areas, denominated study subcategories. A framework is proposed that organizes the various identified themes and provides a holistic understanding of the insertion of the circular economy in the master's and doctoral programs. The study contributes to the theory by mapping, describing and organizing in a logical way the thematic paths and axes that the theses and dissertations take when describing and addressing different associated research problems. From a practical point of view, this study can assist decision makers and policy makers in raising awareness and knowledge about possible fields of action regarding its implementation.