Conceptual Foundations for the Formation of a Regional Circular Economy under Conditions of Digital Transformation

Abstract

This paper examines the theoretical foundations for the formation of a regional circular economy in the context of digital transformation and the transition toward a sustainable model of regional socio-economic development. It is argued that existing circular economy concepts are primarily focused on national, sectoral, or corporate levels of governance and insufficiently consider the regional characteristics of organizing material, energy, technological, and information flows. The study analyses both Russian and international scientific approaches to the development of the circular economy and identifies the distinctive features of the European, Japanese, Chinese, and territorially oriented models. Based on this analysis, the author proposes an original concept of the regional circular economy, in which the region is viewed as the primary spatial and institutional system for the formation of closed-loop resource cycles. The scientific novelty of the research lies in advancing the theoretical foundations of regional economics through the substantiation of an original concept of the regional circular economy based on the integration of resource flows, digital infrastructure, intersectoral interactions, and mechanisms of spatial coordination. The practical significance of the study is determined by the potential application of the proposed concept in developing spatial development strategies for the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and in shaping regional policies aimed at promoting the circular economy.