Title: The maturity of circular economy in sparsely populated areas and the regional development of circular economy

Authors: Juuso Kivijakola; Pekka Tervonen; Harri Haapasalo

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland

Abstract: The Earth's ever-growing population, accelerating depletion of finite natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions are driving a shift from the unsustainable traditional linear economic system towards a cyclical, more sustainable circular economy. At the core of the circular economy is reducing waste generation and using waste as resources, using cleaner energy sources and increasing energy efficiency, ecosystem thinking, and continuous value creation. This article studied the regional maturity of circular economy in sparsely populated case areas and the development of the regional circular economy. Key findings were the cornerstones of circular economy, and the framework based on them, and the process chart of regional circular economy development. The developed framework and process model contribute to innovation in how circular economy practices are implemented regionally. These findings also provide transferable insights for sparsely populated areas globally navigating the ongoing economic restructuring.

Keywords: circular economy; regional development; sparsely populated areas; business ecosystems; maturity analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJAITG.2025.151414

International Journal of Agriculture Innovation, Technology and Globalisation, 2025 Vol.5 No.1, pp.36 - 54

Received: 07 May 2025
Accepted: 25 Aug 2025
Published online: 28 Jan 2026 *

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