Policy and administration shape the regional circular economy. They take the lead, set priorities and create the conditions that enable businesses, civil society and academia to act.

This report shows how administrations in rural regions drive the circular economy through their own action, coordination, strategic initiatives and the ability to bring actors together. Examples from German model regions and European partner regions demonstrate which instruments work, how networks are built and how the circular economy can be embedded for the long term.

The findings show that circular regions emerge where policy and administration jointly provide direction and take action.

Part of a 4-part series on key stakeholders of circular transitions. First publication on the role of local businesses.