Andrija Popović1, Andreja Todorović1 and Vladan Vučić2
This research explores the relationship between economic growth and competitiveness and innovation in the circular economy across the 27 EU countries from 2011 to 2020. Using descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), panel data regression, and cluster analysis, the research investigates how the key economic indicators, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and gross fixed capital formation, affect the performance of the circular economy. The results obtained indicate a positive correlation between overall economic growth and circular competitiveness, though wealthier nations do not consistently lead in circular transitions. The analysis underscores the need for tailored, country-specific policies to promote sustainable practices in the circular economy, especially in less developed economies. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic growth with sustainability.
Fang Ying1 and Zhao Wen-ping2
In recent years, the worsening of the quality of the air has urged more people to att ach great importance to circular economy. Shaanxi, abundant in natural resources, maintained the GDP growth rate of 14.9% during the period of the twelfth fi ve-year plan. However, the fast economic growth under the extensive traditional economic growth mode renders Shaanxi inadequate in resources supply and noticeably worse in ecological environment issues. With the method of the IPAT equation, this paper quantitatively analyzes the developmental stage and the developmental level of the circular economy of Shaanxi to cover the shortage of the previous studies having only been focused on the policy study and the practice mode. The result shows that Shaanxi is in the intermediate stage of circular economy and the advanced stage has an apparent advantage over the intermediate one by comparing their energy consumption and solid pollutant discharge. The development experience of Shaanxi, a typical province of China, has guidance and reference signifi cance to China and other developing countries.