The study aims to build an index to measure the circular economy (CE).
The index is established based on globally recognized CE indicators that can be used to measure countries' transition toward circular economy.
In light of the proposed index developed by the study, policymakers and stakeholders can determine the countries' transmission level toward CE implementation, adopt policies, reducing waste in natural resources, and built the CE relevant activities that support achieving economic, environmental, social sustainability, and enhancing the added value of Arab economies.
Globally, a circular economy (CE) is being promoted as a policy to achieve economic, environmental, and social sustainability. A significant reason for this is the increasing recognition of CE indices as effective tools in preventing resource waste and reducing negative environmental impacts. The aim of this study, therefore, is to establish a regional index based on CE indicators that can be used to measure countries' transition toward circular economies implementation.
Among the main components of the index are economic, business, environmental, governance, infrastructure, and social indicators. A bottom-up approach is utilized to develop the index structure, with four levels: items, sub-indicators, main indicators, and finally the index. In order to calculate the index, a structured statistical methodology is developed in four stages, including the normalization of items, the geometric mean of sub-indicators, the weighted geometric mean of main indicators, as well as the index calculation itself.
In light of the index developed by the study, policymakers and stakeholders in the CE can determine the countries' transmission level toward CE and adopt policies to develop CEs activities in the region, reducing waste in natural resources, achieving economic, environmental, social sustainability, and enhancing the added value of Arab economies.
A full version of the study is available at this link