Toward a generic method to help develop circular economy indicators

Defining indicators to guide projects in the transition to the circular economy (CE) is currently a challenge. Indeed, there is neither comprehensive (offering a global representation of the circular economy) and transverse (relevant to several specific cases) indicators, nor a consensual definition of the circular economy. To identify what could indicators about CE represent and how, a database of 379 non-aggregated indicators have been developed, based on the literature. Categories of the database are dimensions of the CE that can be considered, and indicators are example of ways to represent them. A main question is then how to use this database to propose indicators adapted to specific contexts. According to studies in ecological economics, involving stakeholders in the production of indicators ensures their institutional anchor and pertinence for the specific context. A participatory tool-based method using the database has then developed, based on an existing participatory method (PARDI). Each step of the method is supported by tools, defined through workshops in a multidisciplinary academic project and literature study. The method aims to be generic (scale, context), while the set of indicators produced would be specific. Its capabilities were demonstrated through a project to set up a food processing industry in a specific context.