The RSA is pleased to announce the publication of our 11th Policy Impact book – Going Circular: Unlocking the Potential of Regions and Cities to Drive the Circular Economy Transition, edited by Marcin Dąbrowski, Karel Van den Berghe, Joanna Williams and Ellen van Bueren
This book explores the concept of a circular economy (CE) and its transformative potential for cities and regions. It emphasises the importance of spatial planning and the role of urban and regional authorities in driving the transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economic and societal model. As such, the book aims to inform and equip public and private policymakers, urban planners and regional authorities with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a CE, and nudge cities and regions towards sustainable futures.
The book’s objectives are as follows:
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To draw attention to the spatial dimensions of CE and how they influence the implementation of CE policies.
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To explore the opportunities provided by current geopolitical shifts to advance CE.
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To integrate social justice and care into the CE framework.
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To explore the ecological implications of a transition towards CE in metropolitan regions.
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To advocate the need for robust metrics for assessing the progress on the transition towards CE.
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To formulate policy recommendations for various levels of government to promote CE.
Reflecting these objectives, the book’s six chapters tackle the pivotal policy issues and challenges related CE transitions in cities and regions.
RSA Members receive a print copy of the book as one of the membership benefits.
RSA POLICY EXPO GRANT SCHEME
This RSA policy research initiative worth £15,000 (c. $20,000; c. €17,800) aims to connect the work of successful teams with the wider communities on societal questions and policy needs. Expos will normally run for no more than 18 months from commissioning to the submission of the book and RSRS article for review.
The Association seeks a leading and impactful role for its community, to inform and influence policy and practice in creative and ambitious ways. The aim is to support Expos addressing issues that are important, current and having an impact on society. These Expos will investigate how the communities of regional studies, regional science, urban studies and related fields can respond to new societal challenges and opportunities.
Current Call for Applications
Please keep updated via our website for the 2025 RSA Policy Expo grant funding scheme calls. The Policy Expo initiative is worth up to £15,000 (c.$19,000; c. €16,800) to successful teams aiming to connect their work and wider communities to societal questions and policy needs.
The RSA will award £15,000 for the completion of the research and outputs. The research should produce an article for our gold open access journal, Regional Studies, Regional Science and a short ‘policy facing’ book of no more than 30,000 words published by Routledge relating to one of the themes below.
The book will have a large distribution, as it will be sent in print copy to all RSA members and in e-book format to all those who subscribe to any of the journals of the RSA.
Click here for more information on the grant scheme.