TOWARDS CIRCULARITY: MAPPING THE LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING AND ADOPTION OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES

Abstract

This article examines the level of understanding, implementation, and perception of circular economy (CE) principles among public and private organisations in the Republic of Moldova, based on empirical evidence collected through the Erasmus+ PubCirEco project (No. ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE-101179344). The study employs a quantitative approach, utilising a structured survey of 106 organisations, comprising 63.8% from the private sector and 36.2% from the public sector. Results reveal that over three-quarters of the organisations either apply CE principles (partially or extensively) or intend to implement them, with resource efficiency and waste reduction emerging as the most common practices. Nevertheless, implementation remains uneven, with advanced strategies such as industrial symbiosis and reverse logistics being rarely adopted. Respondents associate CE adoption with multiple benefits, including an improved reputation, enhanced organisational learning, cost reduction, and a positive social impact. However, they also highlight financial constraints, a lack of knowledge, and limited technological capacity as key barriers. The findings suggest that Moldova is at an early stage of its transition towards circularity, yet possesses significant potential that can be unlocked through targeted policy support, managerial engagement, and increased alignment with EU regulatory frameworks. By linking empirical evidence with conceptual debates, this study enhances our understanding of the dynamics of circular economy adoption in emerging contexts. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and academic stakeholders.