Accepted Poster
Poster Short Abstract
CircleUp explores how citizen science can connect citizen engagement, data collection and policy action in circular economy transitions, using participatory methods to transform citizens from consumers into active co-creators of circular and data-driven governance.
Poster Abstract
The transition to a circular economy requires not only technological innovation but also active citizen participation and data integration across governance levels. Yet, a persistent gap remains between citizens’ engagement, and how this evidence informs decision-making. CircleUp investigates how citizen science can bridge this gap through participatory approaches that connect behavioural data, social learning, and governance. Existing research recognises citizens as political and social actors in circular transitions, moving beyond the role of consumers to actively influence how circular systems are governed (Ortega Alvarado, 2023; Korsunova et al., 2021).Building on this evidence, CircleUp explores how participatory methods can embed citizen agency within environmental governance frameworks. The project examines behavioural patterns (e.g. waste separation, repair and sharing practices), digital data practices (e.g. apps or platforms that record waste amounts), and collaborative interpretation processes. It tests how citizen-generated data can inform circular economy strategies and contribute to transparent and inclusive decision-making. Implemented across four pilot sites in the United Kingdom, Latvia, Norway, and Germany, CircleUp demonstrates how citizen science can strengthen accountability and civic ownership in circular economy governance, reframing circularity as both a social and data-driven transformation.
Poster Session