(This news article first appeared on the UCL ISR website)

The report, by UCL ISR Research Associate and PhD graduate Stijn van Ewijk, was written for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

The report explores the role of public policy in stimulating resource efficiency and the circular economy. It looks at the concept of the circular economy and resource efficiency, their potential benefits, barriers to implementation, and potential policy measures.

The report, authored by UCL ISR Research Associate and PhD graduate Stijn van Ewijk, argues that the circular economy and resource efficiency bring long-term benefits through the conservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment. There are also potential short-term economic benefits such as cost savings for businesses.

Public policy, according to the report, should go beyond addressing market failures; a shift towards the circular economy requires strategic leadership on behalf of governments and a diverse set of policies that support an economy-wide transition.

The report was written during a public policy placement at Defra, funded by the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) award to UCL. The purpose of the placement was to improve knowledge exchange between academics and policymakers.

The report can be accessed through the Defra Research and Development Database.