Synergies Between the Circular and Collaborative Economies: Integrated Approaches in the European Union

Abstract

This article explores the synergies between the circular and collaborative economies within the European Union, highlighting how these models can complement each other to promote resource efficiency, social innovation and inclusive growth. The circular economy emphasizes waste reduction, material reuse and sustainable production cycles, while the collaborative economy focuses on shared access to goods and services, promoting community engagement and new business models. By analysing policy frameworks and institutional initiatives, the authors identify the mechanisms through which circular and collaborative approaches converge. The research examines regulatory challenges and institutional barriers that may hinder the simultaneous development of both economic models. The paper argues that integrated strategies – combining circular resource management with collaborative consumption practices – can enhance the EU’s transition towards sustainable and inclusive economic systems. By providing a conceptual framework and empirical illustrations, the article contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how the European Union can harness circular and collaborative economies together, rather than in isolation, to address sustainability and social cohesion objectives. The authors conclude that promoting interactions between circular and collaborative economic models is becoming a strategic imperative for the EU. JEL: Q01, Q56, D16