Towards an ecological metaphor for regenerative circular economies

Journal article (2025)

Authors

Filippos K. Zisopoulos Independent researcher
Brian D. Fath Towson University, Masaryk University, International Institute for Applied System Analysis
Bruno Meirelles de Oliveira Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), International Institute for Applied System Analysis
Susana Toboso Chavero Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Integral Design & Management
Vitor Miranda de Souza Lund University
Hao Huang Princeton University
Serban Scrieciu University College London
O. Grant Clark McGill University
Dominik Noll University of Évora
Simron J. Singh University of Waterloo
Alexandros Stefanakis Technical University of Crete
Graham Boyd Evolutesix
Daan F.J. Schraven Real Estate Management
Martin de Jong Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Fudan University
Research Group
Integral Design & Management
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Published Date

2025

Language

English

Research Group

Integral Design & Management

Abstract

An ecological metaphor can enable transitions towards regenerative circular economies. Yet, this potential remains latent because its conceptual development, which is a prerequisite for its practical operationalization, is in its incipient phase and largely vague. To strengthen its epistemological underpinning, we propose a forward-looking interdisciplinary research agenda which brings together theories, ontological positions, analytical approaches, and strategies of action from ecological economics, panarchy theory, socio-metabolic research, process ecology, environ network theory, the constructal law, nature-based solutions, complexity economics, doughnut economics, regenerative economics, and ergodicity economics. The agenda facilitates the concentration, consolidation, and acceleration of theoretical and methodological innovation for the generation and accumulation of a diverse yet coherent body of knowledge on the interpretation of the process of regeneration and for illuminating the ways in which regenerative circular economies may function.