Session Description
As a follow-up to successful sessions at IAIA23 (Kuching), IAIA24 (Dublin), IAIA25 (Bologna), and IAIA26 (Québec), this session continues exploring the emerging and increasingly important topic of how Impact Assessment (IA) and the Circular Economy (CE) can reinforce one another. It will address current challenges and opportunities, with particular attention to why the integration of IA and CE remains limited and why the transition towards more circular IA practice appears to have been slower than expected.
On the one hand, IA tools (e.g., EIA, SEA and sustainability assessment) can evaluate the environmental, social and economic implications of CE strategies, initiatives and business models, as well as the contribution of policies, plans and projects to circularity. On the other hand, CE principles and strategies, such as slowing, narrowing, closing and regenerating resource flows, can inspire innovation in IA, making its processes and practice more circular, resource-efficient and systems-oriented.
The session will showcase conceptual advances, methodological developments, practical applications and case studies that strengthen the integration of IA and CE across different sectors and governance levels. It will also explore how this integration can support sustainability transitions, foster more integrated and forward-looking decision-making, and overcome traditional disciplinary and institutional silos.
Researchers, practitioners and policymakers are invited to share experiences, challenges and emerging approaches that advance the role of IA in enabling CE transitions while exploring how CE thinking can reshape the future of IA.
Session Summary
Impact Assessment (IA) and the Circular Economy (CE) can reinforce each other. IA tools can evaluate both CE initiatives and the effects of policies, plans, and projects on circularity, while CE principles and strategies can enhance IA processes and practice, making IA itself more circular and resource-efficient.
Additional Information
The integration of Impact Assessment (IA) and the Circular Economy (CE) is an emerging and evolving field (e.g., Rato, 2021; Hellweg et al., 2023; Ramos, 2025; Lopes et al., 2026). This session will bring together researchers and practitioners to exchange knowledge, showcase innovative approaches, identify research and practice gaps, and advance IA–CE integration. It will also explore whether CE should be addressed as a dedicated topic, integrated into existing IA components, or embedded throughout the IA process.
Proposed By
Making Impact Assessment Circular: Synergies with the Circular Economy
Session Chair
Tomas Ramos
NOVA University Lisbon
Portugal
Session Co-chair
Rupert Baumgartner
University of Graz
Austria