10 questions for the circular economy!

When navigating new frameworks, concepts or systems we always face two key challenges.

1. What do we get out of it and what do we have to contribute to making use of it? (Content 🚗)
2. How do we navigate the infrastructure and what are all the moving parts that require my attention? (Infrastructure 🛣️)

I had the same challenge when Dame Ellen MacArthur gave her famous TED talk "The surprising thing I learned sailing solo around the world" almost 5 years ago. https://www.ted.com/talks/dame_ellen_macarthur_the_surprising_thing_i_learned_sailing_solo_around_the_world?language=en#t-1324
In summary sailor, Ellen MacArthur circumnavigated the world on her own. She came back with new insight into the way the world works. And she proposes a bold new way to see the world's economic systems.

Since then I've been trying to introduce aspects of her views into our work. No matter what it was, there was always an element of CE I wanted to introduce. Today our main goal is to facilitate that new way of seeing the world's economic systems. And I found these 10 questions helped me to get the basics right.

1. What is the Circular economy?
   It is a model in which materials are used over and over again. For example, in nature, plants are used over and over again as they decompose into the soil. In the Circular economy, products are designed for disassembly, with easy repair and remanufacturing, and components are shared in an ecosystem.
   
   
   
   

2. What is the difference between a product, a service, and a system?
   A product is something you can touch and feel. A service is something you cannot touch but can feel. A system is something that is happening in the background to make the service happen.
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is the impact of the Circular economy on the environment?
   If we continue to use products the way we do, the planet will run out of resources. We need to redesign products so that resources are not used up.
   
   
   
   
   

4. What does the Circular economy mean for business?
   The Circular economy means that the current business model will fail. Businesses will need to think in a different way about how they produce, market, and sell products.
   
   
   
   
   

5. What are the components in the Circular economy model?
   The Circular economy is a model that is based on the 1. flow of materials, 2. energy, and 3. information as a closed-loop within the economy.
   
   
   
   
   

6. How does the Circular economy differ from the linear economy?
   The linear economy is a linear flow of materials, energy, and information from extraction to disposal. The Circular economy is an ecological system where materials flow in a circular loop, regenerating and renewing resources. Generating and renewing revenue.
   
   
   
   
   

7. What are sustainable innovations?
   Sustainable innovation is the process of generating new ideas and solutions that allow us to use our resources in a way that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. This broad definition can be broken down into three core elements:
   
   
   
   
   
   - Economic sustainability: Can this idea or technology be used in a way that will allow us to live within the limits of our finite resources?
   - Environmental sustainability: Can this idea or technology be used in a way that does not harm the health of the natural environment?
   - Social sustainability: Can this idea or technology be used in a way that promotes the well-being of humanity and the planet?
   
   

8. What is innovation?
   Innovation is a process, not an end product. It can be defined as a change in a product, service or process that creates value for a user, customer or society at large. In order to be considered an innovation, a product or service needs to have the potential to affect the way we live, work and play. It may be an entirely new product or service, or it could be a new and better way of doing things.
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. What else can be called an innovation?
   The word 'innovation' can also be applied to processes, services and business models. Innovation is often associated with the development of new technologies, but this is not always the case. It can also refer to social or organisational changes.
   
   
   
   
   

10. What is the main goal of the sustainable innovations process?
    The main aim of sustainable innovations is to ensure that we leave a better world for future generations.
    
    
    

Find out how our product "The Good Workshop" manages the innovation process of entrepreneurs, SME's and corporates. Request a demo call with us today.