Distances from Efficiency: A Territorial Assessment of the Performance of the Circular Economy in Italy

This study investigates territorial disparities in transition toward circular economy within Italy, introducing an innovative methodological approach aimed at measuring regional efficiency and inequality. The research develops two complementary analytical tools: the Regional Circular Economy Index (ReCEI), a composite indicator designed for comparative evaluation of circular economy performance across regions, and the Regional Circular Economy Disparity Index (ReCED), inspired by the model of Sen which quantifies both the magnitude and spatial distribution of territorial inequalities. Applying this integrated framework to the 20 Italian regions reveals a pronounced heterogeneity: a select group of regions achieves or approaches efficiency benchmarks, whereas others exhibit persistent structural delays linked to infrastructural, institutional and innovative deficits. These findings, thus, confirm the persistence of a territorial dualism in the circular transition, only partially mitigated by instances of advanced governance and coordinated policies.