In recent years ‘Circular Economy’ has become the buzzword that has taken Norway, among many other countries by storm.

Inspired by Oslo European Green Capital as a role model for other cities – along with the Greater Oslo Region as a strategy for regional development and collaboration; The Circular Oslo initiative was created to carry the torch as a regional multi-stakeholder approach to accelerate the transition to a Circular Economy – identifying and highlighting solutions with the potential to be scaled, replicated and networked internationally. While at the same time providing tools and resources to fuel the transition.

The mapping technology and methodology was developed in and for the Oslo region specifically for this initiative, but can be used in any city, region or country. 

In an effort to understand what the Circular Economy is, and what it could mean for all of the stakeholders, participation in a broad range of international events connected the dots, learning from the front runners. 

Research refined the ‘cathedral thinking‘ view of the Circular Economy.  

Connecting the stakeholders is key, across sectors, branches, political parties and society to not only look at top-down initiatives, but also the bottom-up movement including NGOs, social enterprise and citizens themselves all as integral parts of a Circular Region connecting both urban and rural communities.  Below, you can read about the journey.