Publications

The European Union's strategic shift toward a climate-neutral, digitally empowered, and autonomous economy hinges on secure and resilient access to critical raw materials (CRMs). However, the global concentration of CRM supply, geopolitical instability, and limited recycling capabilities pose significant vulnerabilities to the supply chain. Despite growing policy emphasis, scholarly research on how circular economy (CE) strategies can concretely contribute to resilience in CRM systems remains scarce. This conceptual paper explores the potential of CE strategies—narrowing, slowing, and closing resource loops—to enhance multi-level resilience of CRMs. Integrating insights from CE literature and the socio-ecological perspective on resilience, the study proposes a conceptual framework linking CE practices to resilience outcomes at firm, supply chain, and societal levels. Narrowing strategies can reduce CRM demand and dependence on unstable supply regions. Slowing strategies extend product lifespans, reducing immediate material pressure while enhancing adaptive capacity. Closing strategies improve access to secondary raw materials, though current infrastructure and economic limitations constrain effectiveness. This study provides insights into the intersection of CE strategies and resilience building, specifically in the 'high-stakes context' of CRMs.

Opportunity management is broadly understood as the systematic process of identifying, evaluating, and exploiting opportunities that can create value for an organization. This work gives a systematic analysis of business model opportunities in the context of urban e-micromobility. The starting point is the 10R circular strategy framework for modelling the possibilities of circular strategies related to both the product lifespan and the lifecycle of materials contained in the product. The framework can provide an increased understanding in mapping interdependencies among ecosystem actors when implementing circular strategies around specific CRM containing product categories, such as batteries and motors in e-bikes. Interviews with product and services providing companies and stakeholders indicated that, in some cases, the same actors can, with their decisions and actions, increase material circularity at one level while complicating or even denying it at another level. This highlights the importance of understanding cause-and-effect relationships in material circularity, allowing for more proactive influence on strategies at the highest possible levels of the 10R hierarchy.

Circular economy (CE) literature assumes stable market conditions under which waste minimization operates, creating a critical theoretical blind spot when examining critical raw materials supply chains. Market volatility in these contexts creates the systematic exit of materials from circular flows due to economic incentives that favor linear alternatives during market fluctuations. This paper addresses the research question: How can ecosystemic business models maintain circular material flows while achieving zero leakage during market volatility? We develop the ecosystemic circularity stability framework, which integrates three theories, including dynamic network theory, collaborative advantage theory, and coopetition theory. We conceptualize that collaborative economic mechanisms can create counter-cyclical buffers that, through zero-leakage, maintain waste minimization during volatile market conditions. The framework operates through two complementary dimensions: network resilience mechanisms (guaranteed value thresholds and dynamic value sharing) that create protective capabilities, and network intelligence mechanisms (symmetrical information sharing and circularity-integrated pricing) that enable adaptive improvements with zero leakage. Our theoretical contribution is threefold. First, we integrate market volatility as a core consideration in the CE, moving beyond the assumption of stable markets. Second, we theorize how collaborative economic mechanisms create resilience against volatility-induced leakages. Third, we provide theoretical foundations for designing ecosystemic business models that sustain circular material flows under uncertain market conditions. The framework reconceptualizes CE success as an ecosystem coordination challenge rather than an individual waste minimization problem, suggesting that CE requires a more sophisticated understanding of ecosystem-level coordination mechanisms.

The triple environmental crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, is causing irreversible damage to life on Earth, necessitating innovative solutions for sustainable coexistence. As the energy transition aims to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, it risks worsening biodiversity and resource depletion challenges, highlighting the urgent need for resilient material systems. Material stocks and flows are crucial for examining circular systems in transition. As an example, energy transition, unavailability of end-of-life materials and new technology demand might prevent achieving sustainability and circularity targets. Complex systems which are traditionally investigated mainly from a technical perspective, become even more complex when recognizing the social factors and sustainability impacts. This study takes an interdisciplinary approach to this complex system transition and employs material flow modelling to reveal pathways towards sustainable and resilient material systems. The presented framework combines dynamic material flow analysis and prospective demand projections with socio-techno-economic factors and sustainability impacts. It reveals holistically the behavior of material flows in transition and material flow management solutions for resilient and sustainable transition.

Replacing fossil-fuel based vehicles with electric vehicles is one of the main goals in society’s green transition and means to mitigate climate change. Here, the electric micromobility can provide a feasible solution. While the positive effects of electrification of traffic are evident, there are also some downsides, such as the increased consumption of critical raw materials (CRM) and increased number of traffic accidents in the context of e-micro-mobility in urban areas. The material use of e-micromobility devices can also induce varying environmental and health impacts due to the harmful substances involved. The different impacts can be combined using a multi-criteria decision analysis technique for assessing the sustainability aspects of alternative modes of travel, such as electric scooters and bikes, cars and walking. Life cycle analysis (LCA) serves as the method to determine the climate impact while Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) and physical activity expressed as Metabolic Equivalents (MET) provide measures of negative and positive impact on human health. Established toxicity thresholds are used to assess the toxicity impacts. The study using the developed assessment method will include some uncertainties, such as the magnitude of substitution and accuracy of the DALYs.

This study explores urban sustainability transitions with a focus on circular cities and critical raw materials. It highlights multilevel collaborative innovation among various stakeholders to achieve circularity and sustainability. The research identifies key actors such as city procurement organizations, CE development organizations, waste management organizations, and business development organizations, detailing their resources, activities, and value contributions. The findings emphasize the importance of urban-rural symbiosis, comprehensive city strategies, and longitudinal research for effective governance and systemic transformation. Practical implications suggest that professionals, regulators, companies, and cities can benefit from understanding and supporting sustainability transitions.

The healthcare system is one of the most critical services of modern societies, but simultaneously, it raises significant environmental concerns and is reliant on several critical raw materials (CRMs). This study explores the opportunities of circular economy (CE) in healthcare through a case study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, by comparing selected CE solutions’ (rethink, reuse, refurbish, recycle) environmental and CRM-related impacts against the linear product system, and by assessing the regulatory frameworks related to CE and MRIs. Life cycle assessment showed that the CE options increasing the utilization rate of the device (rethink, reuse) are the most beneficial from the perspective of climate impacts and CRMs, whereas recycling is the least beneficial. Although legislation does not create barriers to the implementation of CE solutions, it does not effectively promote them. Furthermore, increased demand and limited availability of competent workforce restrict the potential benefits

Many policy documents have called for a higher degree of circularity in the use of critical raw materials (CRMs). This paper examines how this objective has been translated from EU policy to legislation. The analysis presents three regulatory strategies used in the current framework to promote the recovery of CRMs: indirect methods, direct regulation of single CRMs, and collective regulation of all CRMs. The indirect approach has struggled to effectively target CRMs. Direct regulation of single CRMs provides an alternative, but other than the new Batteries Regulation no legislation has introduced strong obligations requiring recovery of single CRMs. The proposed CRM Regulation would codify the main concepts relevant for governing and regulating CRMs collectively. While the legislation would create a solid foundation for these processes, its failure to put forward immediate or long-term solutions to CRM recovery remains a serious shortcoming. The present research indicates that the current legal obligations lack a focus on the recovery of CRMs, with concrete obligations to this end limited.

The paper aims to build scenarios for increased circulation of critical raw materials (CRMs) in the context of urban sustainability transformations, using the Dator’s Manoa School Four Futures framework and a participatory workshop. As a result, he configured four scenarios illustrate the diverse trajectories and associated challenges and opportunities for CRM circularity and urban sustainability. The limitations of the scenario analysis, such as the need for further validation and action planning with relevant stakeholders, and the potential bias of the workshop participants are acknowledged. The paper aims to contribute to the literature and understanding of urban sustainability transition and circularity of CRMs, and to inspire new research openings by demonstrating the interconnections and related dynamics of transition.

This study aims to address the gap between recognized importance of critical raw materials and limited number of empirically grounded analyses by focusing on the e-bike supply chains, a sector less mature than electric vehicles but influenced by upcoming EU regulations. The paper examines how organizations within the e-bike supply chains align with CE practices concerning CRMs and the tensions they face. The findings reveal the nascent adoption of circular strategies in e-bike supply chains. The collection of batteries, organized under extended producer responsibility, emerges as a key strategy. However, the study also brings to light inherent tensions between circular strategies and among different actors.

Initiating circularity to the building industry has been one of key subjects in the circular economy (CE) transition. In our case study, we have analyzed a plot handover as a particular policy instrument that can accelerate transition to circular building. In Finland, municipalities have zoning monopoly, and through plot handover procedure municipalities can assign plots for building companies mostly based on their considerations (e.g., local policy goals, price, market situation). The study was done in collaboration with City of Tampere (225 000 inhabitants). In summer 2022, Tampere decided to utilize a plot handover procedure in a form of competition to get construction companies to design circular building concepts in an attractive plot for the companies. Our findings show that 1) competition call defined and operationalized the CE in a clear enough manner which guided partner and building material acquisitions but left plenty of room for innovation. In relation, 2) the city’s choice to utilize competitive evaluation criteria over pre-defined requirements made companies explore more broadly the possibilities of circular building and partners for the project. 3) Building companies understand sustainability demands are increasing change pressure for the industry, but still the sector is driven by profit margins. The plot handover competition of valuable piece of land provided companies a change test their value chains and cost-benefit analyses in a new and temporary setup. Finally, the competition was not organized in an immature setup. Instead, circular solutions have been contemplated in the sector and companies felt confident enough to draft and submit their concepts to the competition. This indicates that 4) timing was right for this type of coordinative measure. In conclusion, a single well-timed policy intervention can accelerate transition process even in a case of single building in a single city. Whether the transition occurs depends on what happens next, but the case analyzed here has the potential to act as an important acceleration event.

This paper investigates tensions both within and between slow-the-loop (StL) or close-the-loop (CtL) strategies in the early stages of a circular ecosystem. The study applies an embedded case design and investigates the e-bike ecosystem in Finland. We interviewed the main actors of this ecosystem and performed a qualitative data analysis. First, we identified tensions within both StL and CtL strategies. We aggregated tensions into three categories: e-bike design, operation logic, and e-bike users. Second, we propose that alternative circular strategies can become oppositional poles in the early the stages of ecosystem. Based on paradox literature and a polarity map, we discuss how the emerging ecosystem needs to shift from either/or to both/and thinking to develop circular strategies.

Having secured access to Critical Raw Materials is extremely important to the economy and security of Europe since those materials are needed in a variety of goods and key technologies which are used every day. To address this issue, EU´s Critical Raw Materials Act aims to ensure the EU’s access to a secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of CRM. This thesis is done for VTT as part of a research project which focuses on creating sustainable pathways for cities by increasing the circularity of Critical Raw Materials. The case product for the study is E-bike, with a focus on the entire lifespan of the bike and the life cycle of components containing Critical Raw Materials, namely battery and motor. The theoretical part focuses on exploring the Circular Strategies (10R) and Circular Business Models at the organizational and ecosystem level. By qualitative research with semi-structured interviews total of 13 organizations within the E-bike ecosystem are studied. The research identifies the current Circular Strategies and the opportunities and challenges prevailing in the ecosystem. Cities can play a significant role in increasing material circularity through their procurement, such as when purchasing urban e-bike systems. Increasing material circularity requires extensive collaboration among ecosystem actors, which, in turn, requires the sharing of data, knowledge, and expertise across organizational boundaries. Cities should proactively initiate collaboration. According to the results, many actors simultaneously implement Circular Business models to both slowing and closing material loops. The 10R framework is considered a useful tool for identifying and analyzing interdependencies prevailing in the ecosystem.

Ensuring secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) is at the core of EU’s political priorities for the twin transition. This requires innovations in enhancing circularity of these materials. The cities could have an important role supporting transition on a variety of business ecosystems. In this study, we explore the means cities have identified to boost circularity of critical raw materials. Supported by a conversational AI tool (Bard), we first analysed how CRMs are considered in the circularity agendas of cities. The results showed that the current focus lies at end-of-life phase of products and recycling. The second phase was an interview based deep dive into the innovation potential and drivers and barriers related to circularity of CRMs. At the landscape of CRMs, the cities have both direct and indirect influence on circularity. Circular procurement and Public-private-partnership (PPP) can directly affect circularity while training and education can be efficient indirect actions.

In response to the pressing need for resource conservation, especially critical materials in high-tech products, this paper addresses the challenges hindering the transition to a circular economy. This paper explores new sustainable value co-creation models between multiple actors in cities for increasing the circularity of selected high technology products, containing critical raw materials (CRMs). Focusing on e-bikes as a case study, which heavily relies on critical raw materials (CRMs) for components like batteries and motors, the research explores innovative value co-creation models among various city actors to increase circularity. The study emphasizes the potential of networked business models, examining their optimization and operationalization for closer loops of CRMs. By aligning with the 9R framework, the paper identifies emerging business opportunities and the role of public actors, particularly cities, in supporting environmentally and socially sustainable circularity. The findings unveil diverse circular supply chain configurations that promote urban symbiosis, contingent on contextual conditions for effective implementation.

Kuvaelma artikkelista: Ympäristö- ja terveydensuojelua käsittelevä sääntely kohtaa jatkuvan haasteen vastata uuteen tieteelliseen tietoon. Tunnistetut ympäristöongelmat ovat entistä monimutkaisempia, ja tämä asettaa haasteita sääntelylle. Jotta sääntelyllä voitaisiin suoraan puuttua eri ongelmiin, on ongelmat ensin pystyttävä kääntämään sääntelyn kielelle. Esimerkiksi mikromuovien säänteleminen on ollut hankalaa, koska ei ole yhtenäistä käsitystä tai määritelmää sille, mitä mikromuoveilla tarkoitetaan. Voidaankin katsoa, että oikeudellisilla määritelmillä ja käsitteillä on olennainen asema ympäristöongelmien hallinnassa: Ne voivat muuttaa alun perin ei-oikeudelliset ilmiöt hallittaviksi sääntelyobjekteiksi. Sääntelyobjekti on ensisijaisesti – institutionaalista tai reaalista – ilmiötä kuvaava edustus, ei itse ilmiö. Oikeudellisen hermeneutiikan käsitteistön näkökulmasta sääntelyobjektilla tarkoitetaan normipremissin kannalta merkityksellistä faktapremissiä, jolle voidaan antaa lainopillisen metodin kautta oikeudellinen merkityssisältö. Kuitenkin sääntelyobjektin normiulottuvuus itsessään määrittää linssin, jonka kautta arvioidaan, onko jokin seikka oikeudellisesti merkityksellinen vai ei. Oikeudellinen merkitys voi syntyä kun ilmiö käännetään oikeudelliselle kielellä antamalla lainsäädännössä uusi määritelmä, joka luo perustan sääntelyobjektin syntymiselle, tai kun jonkin olemassa olevan määritelmän katsotaan soveltuvan kyseiseen ilmiöön ja sille voidaan antaa merkitys sitä koskevien normien kautta. Joka tapauksessa oikeudellinen merkityksellisyys rakentuu aina muiden merkitysten kautta. Tämä kirjoitus tarkastelee sääntelyobjektien asemaa sekä niihin liitettäviä merkityssisältöjä ympäristöoikeudellisessa sääntelyssä ja ympäristöongelmien hallinnassa.

Regions and national economies are facing several challenges regarding raw materials. As cities and metropolitan areas are increasingly becoming hubs of economic activity, they may also play a role in addressing raw material challenges. Many eco-industrial parks are not only found in industrial areas but also in urbanised areas the concept of urban symbiosis may offer viable solutions to those challenges. Urban symbiosis builds on urban and regional metabolism and industrial symbiosis, providing a concept and analytical toolkit that can serve to develop strategies to create the more efficient use and circulation of critical raw materials (CRM), enabled by the integration of different and complex systems. In advancing urban symbiosis it is important to understand what kind of roles cities can have in the urban symbiosis as well exploring concrete models of collaboration and new ways of joint value creation in urban symbiosis ecosystems.

The work explores new sustainable value creation models in cities for increasing the circularity of selected high technology products containing CRMs. The focus was on CRMs in smart buildings and their renewable energy solutions.

In the short-term perspective, enabling increased recycling of batteries and solar panels can have the largest impacts on circularity. To ensure increased circularity in the future, other options, such as leasing combined with takeback systems, reuse, maintenance, repair and refurbishment, other sharing models should be considered for optimal resource use, and lifespan extension for critical materials. Cities can take a considerable stronger role in promoting such strategies, notably by, firstly, applying them on public buildings and construction and generally incorporating circularity criteria more strongly in their procurement.