RT Journal Article
T1 Closing the loop? Assessing efficiency in advancing circular economy transitions in the EU-27 countries
A1 Álvarez-Jiménez, Isabel María
A1 Expósito-García, Alfonso
A1 Sánchez-Toledano, Daniel David
A1 Velasco, Francisco
K1 Economía circular
K1 Eficiencia industrial
K1 Unión Europea
K1 Análisis Envolvente de Datos
AB The transition to a Circular Economy (CE) is a central pillar of the European Union (EU)'s sustainability agenda, yet significant heterogeneity persists among Member States (MS) in achieving this objective. This study contributes novel insights by introducing a dynamic efficiency assessment that simultaneously captures progress in the development of CE sectors, resource circularity and the reduction of material dependency across EU MS. Methodologically, a dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) framework is employed, integrating two alternative efficiency specifications, complemented by Malmquist productivity indices (MPI) to evaluate intertemporal performance. The model accounts for potential frontier crossovers, thereby reflecting heterogeneous technological trajectories across EU countries. Results reveal marked disparities in CE efficiency transitions, with leading countries such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands displaying the highest efficiency scores, driven by effective policy frameworks. These findings highlight the urgency of coordinated actions to accelerate the CE transition across EU MS by fostering innovation and targeted policy incentives as critical levers for closing the identified efficiency gaps.
PB Elsevier
YR 2026
FD 2026-03-18
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/46002
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/46002
LA eng
NO Álvarez, Isabel , Expósito, Alfonso,  Sánchez, Daniel, Velasco, Francisco. (2026) Closing the loop? Assessing efficiency in advancing circular economy transitions in the EU-27 countries. Journal of Cleaner Production. Elsvier, Volume 551, 18 March 2026, 147937
NO Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 19 mar 2026