Applied
Research

The VCA conducts research that takes a systemic approach to understanding enablers and barriers that influence the activation of a more circular economy in Victoria. Currently the VCA has three research projects exploring the transition on various levels.

​

​

Researching the climate for transitioning to a Circular Economy

 

There is currently no holistic view of the circular economy ecosystems in Victoria, and the enablers and barriers that need to be considered for a smooth transition to a more circular economy. There is also a lack of a physical/living platform for stories to be shared and collaboration between stakeholders and entrepreneurs. Therefore, there is a need to transparently understand circular economy in Victoria from a holistic view of the circular economy ecosystem as well as to identify enablers and barriers that will help to transition to a mature circular economy.  

​

This research theme aims to fill this gap by mapping the existing circular economy landscape and providing a web platform to visualise the emerging circular economy ecosystems. To achieve this aim, the following research objectives will be pursued:  

​

• Identify an exhaustive list of actors and networks within the Victorian circular economy ecosystem.  

• Understand the enablers and barriers to transition Victoria to a well-developed CE 

• Visually represent/map the circular economy ecosystem 

• Validate the developed ecosystem map 

• Propose recommendations to enable a systemic transition to a circular economy

​

​

​

​

​

​

Developing a conceptual data tool to catalyse circular economy business model adoption

​

Designing and prototyping a virtual intermediary that can help businesses or organisations on their journey towards circularity in Victoria. 

 

Research questions (RQ): How can a virtual intermediary/data platform assist organisations/ businesses in their transition towards adopting circular economy practices?

​

This will be answered through answer the following subquestions:

​

• RQ1.1: What are the conceptualisations for how businesses/organisations change to adopt practices like circular economy ones?

• RQ1.2: What information or resources are required at different stages of a business’s / organisation’s journey to circularity?

• RQ1.3: What would the data architecture of a virtual intermediary look like to best support businesses in their journey towards circularity?

​

​

Researching and testing circular economy business model opportunities in the Victorian context

​

There is currently little understanding of how circular economy business models are being successfully implemented within Australia across various sectors, as well as what key enablers and barriers are influencing the adoption of circular economy business models. There is also a lack of standardised framework and categorisation of circular economy business models in Australia. 

​

This research theme aims to create a standardised framework for circular economy business models, identify the current level of implementation of the various circular economy business models in Australia, and then demonstrate how an increase in circular economy business model adoption can be achieved. 

To achieve this aim, the following research objectives will be pursued:  

​

• Identify an exhaustive list of circular economy business models from both international and national case studies 

• Develop a standard framework to categories and access circular economy business models 

• Understand the enablers and barriers to adoption of circular economy business models in Australia 

• Develop a framework to support circular economy business model adoption 

• Validate the developed frameworks 

• Propose recommendations to enable a systemic transition to a circular economy