Matteo Scacchi, Elena Maggi (p)

Leonardo Orsitto

The present study delves into the evolving paradigm of the circular economy, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to the conventional linear economic models. This comprehensive review meticulously scrutinizes the economic incentives and barriers associated with the adoption and implementation of circular economy practices, providing a critical evaluation of the current landscape.
This study, adhering to the PRISMA protocol, systematically reviews 121 peer-reviewed articles to offer an integrated view of the circular economy. It explores the interplay of government policies, business strategies, and environmental imperatives, emphasizing their collective role in implementing circular economic practices. The research highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches in effectively advancing circular economy processes.
Key economic incentives identified in the review include the potential for cost savings and revenue generation through efficient resource use, waste reduction, and the extension of product lifecycles. These incentives are supported by growing consumer demand for sustainable products and practices, alongside the environmental benefits of reduced resource depletion and lower carbon emissions.
However, the study also identifies significant barriers impeding the widespread adoption of circular economy principles. These include regulatory and legislative challenges, where existing policies may not fully support or align with circular economy objectives. The lack of adequate infrastructure for recycling and remanufacturing, as well as challenges in supply chain integration, also pose substantial hurdles. Furthermore, cultural resistance and a lack of awareness or understanding of circular economy principles among businesses and consumers are highlighted as critical obstacles.
In light of these findings, the review offers a set of targeted recommendations aimed at facilitating the transition to a circular economy. These recommendations underscore the importance of harmonizing regulations to support circular initiatives, investing in the development and improvement of necessary infrastructure, and implementing educational and awareness programs to foster a cultural shift towards sustainability. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts and innovation across industries and sectors, encouraging the sharing of best practices and knowledge to drive the circular economy forward.
In conclusion, this systematic review provides valuable insights and practical guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and accelerated adoption of circular economy practices. It lays the groundwork for future research and action, advocating for a concerted effort to embrace circular economy principles as a pathway towards sustainable economic development and environmental stewardship.

Patrizio Lecca (p), Gioele Figus

Elena Maggi

Much of the current debate regarding the impact of demographic change focuses on the negative supply-side effects of an aging population (e.g., Attanasio et al. (2007)
and Ludwig et al. (2012)). However, a significantly aging society also directly affects consumption patterns. For example, we would expect elderly households to allocate
a larger share of their resources to healthcare services and a smaller portion to transportation and education. There are however environmental implications associated with population aging.
Current literature highlights that the connections between CO2 emissions (or energy usage) and an aging population primarily occur through two main channels. The first channel considers that changes in the age structure may lead to alterations in consumption patterns, potentially favoring more energy-intensive consumption profiles
(see for instance Bardazzi and Pazienza (2017)). The second channel focuses on the fact that a decline in labour force participation may result in increased labour costs, leading to decreased output and energy utilization (Rasmussen (2003)). Extreme aging can lead
to a reduction in the overall population, which may naturally lead to decreased energy consumption (Dalton et al. (2008)).
The purpose of this paper is twofold. Firstly, we assess the aging and cohort effects of aging population in relation to energy use. Secondly, we investigate the effects of energy efficiency policies within alternative demographic structures. The results are derived from a calibrated overlapping generations general equilibrium model for Italy.
Overall, our findings align with previous research on energy efficiency based on the ILA models. The decline in energy consumption is primarily driven by a decrease in
intermediate energy use, which is partially compensated by an increase in household energy consumption. Additionally, we observe that the older cohort tends to consume a relatively greater amount of energy in response to energy efficiency improvements.
Furthermore, our counterfactual analysis indicates that energy rebound effects and the proportion of energy use are lower in the case of a more pronounced aging society.
Besides, the proportion of energy used by households increases when the population experiences a more significant aging trend. The older cohort expands its share of energy consumption, while the younger cohort reduces energy usage.

Tryfonas Christou (p), Patrizio Lecca,, Simone Salotti

Patrizio Lecca

We assess the macroeconomic impact of energy efficiency to regional development and cohesion for 235 NUTS2 EU regions. To do so, we introduce energy as a production input in the production function of a spatial dynamic general equilibrium model (RHOMOLO) and analyze the implications of energy efficiency shocks with a particular focus on total energy rebound effects.

Leonardo Orsitto (p), Melania Riefolo, Viola Taormina (p), Mariarosaria Lombardi , Nicola Faccilongo

Tryfonas Christou

In line with global environmental agreements, in 2019 the European Commission introduced the Green Deal, a plan aimed at making Europe climate-neutral by 2050 through the transition from fossil energy sources to renewable ones (RES). The recent complex geopolitical dynamics have also emphasized the urgent need to review and overcome traditional energy supply models, focusing especially on innovative approaches such as self-production of RES and participation in renewable energy communities (REC), in order to limit the increase in energy costs for citizens. These communities represent new models of community entrepreneurship in the energy sector, based on a social innovation approach that promotes a democratic process to ensure economic benefits for the entire community, involving citizens (becoming prosumers) in the production dynamics and increasing awareness of their consumption. Implementing such models could open up development opportunities for rural areas, which often face significant socio-economic challenges. The Italian Recovery Plan (PNRR), through Mission 2, Component 2, has allocated approximately 2.20 billion euros to support the dissemination of REC, especially in municipalities with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, typically located in rural areas. In this perspective, the present study aims, through a systematic literature review, to provide a comprehensive overview of the critical success factors of existing RECs in Europe. Using the PRISMA diagram as a methodological guide for workflow management and article selection, the authors have conducted a comprehensive literature review, enriched with a bibliometric analysis of its contents. This approach, through a detailed and comprehensive narrative, aims to fill a gap in the literature, as, to date, there is not a complete overview of all those factors that, through their implementation, contribute to achieving the objectives of the CER in the rural context. The results of this research could provide a valuable conceptualization of an inclusive production model of energy in rural areas, tackling the numerous operational and regulatory hurdles as well as their social unease and distance from the urban centers. In that way, valuable information will be produced for policymakers to identify the most suitable and replicable REC model for Italian rural areas.