Economic geography's contribution to understanding the circular economy.

This article examines the integration of evolutionary economic geography (EEG) into the study and implementation of the circular economy (CE), emphasizing the critical role of geographical and territorial dimensions in achieving CE's economic and environmental goals. It introduces the concept of Territorial Circular Ecosystems (TCEs), defined as dynamic networks of local actors, institutions, and resources that collaboratively optimize resource flows and promote circular practices within specific territories. The study highlights how path dependency, sectoral diversity, and proximity theory—particularly geographical and organized proximity—affect regional variations in CE adoption and underscores the importance of territorial governance and local collaboration in fostering effective CE strategies. The article concludes by advocating for place-based policies and further research on multi-scalar interactions, intermediary actors, and the distribution of value creation within CE frameworks to better tailor sustainability initiatives to regional contexts.