THE ROLE OF DIGITALIZATION IN FACILITATING CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Abstract

Circular Economy (CE) and digitalization are two emerging concepts transforming industries, including the agricultural and food industries. Accordingly, there has been growing research interest in these topics and the potential of digital tools to support the transition toward a CE. The aim of this scoping literature review is to identify the synergies and current state of research on digital tools supporting CE concepts in various industries, with an emphasis on agri-food systems. A total of 68 articles, seven of which focus specifically on the agri-food industry, were reviewed. Current digital tools that can support CE concepts as outlined by the ReSOLVE framework were identified and discussed, along with barriers to implementing digital CE approaches. Results from this review suggest that digital tools such as IoT, Cloud Computing, Advanced Sensing, Digital Twins, Robotics, and AI will play a critical role in enabling CE solutions within agri-food systems. But a holistic approach that addresses policy, economic, and social domains in concert with technological development is needed to achieve a tangible pathway toward the implementation of digital CE solutions. Assessment and adoption of specific digitalization approaches offer numerous opportunities for circular economy transformation within agricultural and food systems.