Van waarom naar hoe: praktijkgericht onderzoek naar circulaire economie

From why to how: practice-oriented research into the circular economy The transition to a circular economy is increasingly becoming a clear policy priority both nationally and internationally, yet a structural reduction in the use of raw materials is still lagging. The complexity of this transition makes the circular economy not only an environmental issue, but also a question for public administration and public management. While scientific literature largely focuses on concepts, definitions and macro-analyses, real-world practice needs perspectives for action. This special issue therefore explores how practice-oriented research can help bridge this gap. Drawing on three contributions regarding public procurement as a lever, municipal network management and boundary spanning, and the Circular Maturity Assessment as a soft policy instrument, the special issue shows how circular strategies take shape in everyday practice and which design principles for organisations, instruments and networks play a role in this. In doing so, it provides both practical tools and starting points for further theory development.