Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Coda Zabetta, Massimiliano
Author-Email: massimiliano.codazabetta@unito.it
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de
Martiis, University of Turin, Italy
Author-Workplace-Homepage: https://www.est.unito.it
Author-Name: Quatraro, Francesco
Author-Email: francesco.quatraro@unito.it
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de
Martiis, University of Turin, Italy
Author-Workplace-Homepage: https://www.est.unito.it
Author-Name: Scandura, Alessandra
Author-Email: alessandra.scandura@unito.it
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de
Martiis, University of Turin, Italy
Author-Workplace-Homepage: https://www.est.unito.it

Title: The geography of Circular Economy scientific knowledge in Italy
Abstract: This paper investigates the geography of scientific knowledge
production and absorption in the Circular Economy (CE) domain across
Italian regions over the period 1995–2024. While previous studies have
focused on CE innovation adoption and technological development, little
attention has been paid to the spatial distribution of basic scientific
research underpinning CE. Using publication data from the OpenAlex
database, we construct a comprehensive dataset of CE-related publications
authored by researchers affiliated with Italian institutions. We analyze
trends in CE research topics, regional and institutional contributions, and
patterns of knowledge flows based on citation behavior. We classify regions
into four categories – Strongholds, Producers, Absorbers, and Laggards –
based on their publication and citation intensity, and examine how these
roles evolve over time. Our analysis reveals significant regional
disparities in CE scientific activity, with a few regions acting as
strongholds of both knowledge production and use. The findings offer new
insights into the territorial dynamics of CE research and provide a basis
for place-based policy strategies to support green transitions.
Length: 28 pages
Creation-Date: 2025-05

File-URL: https://www.est.unito.it/do/home.pl/Download?doc=/allegati/wp2025dip/wp_09_2025.pdf
File-Format: Application/PDF
Handle: RePEc:uto:dipeco:202509