How can a regional innovation system meet circular economy challenges? Conceptualization and empirical insights from Germany

Abstract

Promoting the circular economy (CE) increasingly draws on regional approaches. But in particular the potentially supportive role of regionally provided innovations requires more exploration. This paper suggests an expanded categorization of innovation demands for the regional CE and integrates them into an enriched conceptualization of the challenge-oriented regional innovation system (CORIS). How the proposed framework can guide regional analysis and strategy building is then illustrated by the empirical case study of the German ‘Circular City’ Aachen. Structuring obtained information according to CORIS components reveals which requirements are met, but also which innovation deficiencies should be tackled locally.