The Territorial Circular Ecosystem: Foundations for a Systemic and Place-Based Approach to Circular Economy

This article introduces the concept of the Territorial Circular Ecosystem (TCE) as a framework to understand the conditions that support the deployment of circular economy principles at the local level. It draws on the legacy of local production systems, from Marshallian districts to more recent approaches such as green clusters and industrial symbioses. These models have contributed to the ecological transition of economic systems but continue to show important limitations regarding for example the coordination of actors, the integration of stakeholders, and the implementation of circular strategies based on the 10R. The TCE framework defines a set of components and relational mechanisms rooted in territorial dynamics. It places emphasis on various types of local cooperation, geographical and organized proximities, institutional support, and societal involvement. This contribution establishes a conceptual foundation for the analysis of local circular systems and provides useful orientations for public policy and future empirical research.