The chapter explores Quebec’s circular economy experience, documenting the roles of academia, government, organizations, and businesses between 2021 and 2024. Its four main messages are the following. First, Quebec has established several key research infrastructures which encompass numerous sectors and interdisciplinary collaborations, positioning Québec as a leader in North America’s circular economy research landscape. Those research networks are interconnected and Quebec’s focus on circularity also intersects with climate change and biodiversity conservation efforts. Second, Quebec’s research endeavors have impacted policies related to the circular economy by influencing legislation, fostering industry partnerships, and supporting regional strategies. Third, Québec has successfully developed a common language around circular economy concepts, aided by a structured definition, visual aids, and an official lexicon. Fourth, Québec views the circular economy not merely as an operational model but as a societal transition project, aligning with broader sustainability goals beyond production and consumption efficiencies. Despite these achievements, Québec’s circularity rate remains at 3.5%, indicating a substantial gap between theory and practice. While the circular economy offers pathways to sustainability, it may not sufficiently challenge broader economic growth and consumption-based models. Quebec’s research community should critically explore alternative perspectives like degrowth and sobriety to address these systemic challenges more comprehensively.

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Co-construction as Implementation: The Circular Economy Experience in Quebec—Consolidation Stage (2021–2024)

  • Stéphanie Jagou,
  • Emmanuel Raufflet

摘要

The chapter explores Quebec’s circular economy experience, documenting the roles of academia, government, organizations, and businesses between 2021 and 2024. Its four main messages are the following. First, Quebec has established several key research infrastructures which encompass numerous sectors and interdisciplinary collaborations, positioning Québec as a leader in North America’s circular economy research landscape. Those research networks are interconnected and Quebec’s focus on circularity also intersects with climate change and biodiversity conservation efforts. Second, Quebec’s research endeavors have impacted policies related to the circular economy by influencing legislation, fostering industry partnerships, and supporting regional strategies. Third, Québec has successfully developed a common language around circular economy concepts, aided by a structured definition, visual aids, and an official lexicon. Fourth, Québec views the circular economy not merely as an operational model but as a societal transition project, aligning with broader sustainability goals beyond production and consumption efficiencies. Despite these achievements, Québec’s circularity rate remains at 3.5%, indicating a substantial gap between theory and practice. While the circular economy offers pathways to sustainability, it may not sufficiently challenge broader economic growth and consumption-based models. Quebec’s research community should critically explore alternative perspectives like degrowth and sobriety to address these systemic challenges more comprehensively.