As the global economic system has evolved over the last 150 years, technical innovation, during the second half of the 20th century, has helped to drive down the cost of resources and significantly improve our society’s welfare. However, the predictions of the 1972 Club of Rome “Limits to growth” report became reality early in the 21st century. Economic growth no longer outpaces the increase of material cost, and with the acceleration of digital technologies new revenue models have emerged.Leading businesses in the Netherlands are taking up the challenges these growth limitations have created. Businesses, collaborative platforms, innovators, governments and joint initiatives throughout the country, see the circular economy as the next business opportunity. The Netherlands now claims the title of “Circular Hotspot” due to the fact that these key economic players have set their focus on creating circular awareness.
The Netherlands is taking a leadership position in the establishment of circular principles. As a circular hotspot, we need to continue to expand our efforts, providing proof points to support our proposal for Next Level investment to the new Dutch cabinet. Our progress will also provide concrete support to the European policy for the development of a circular economy. And the ultimate prize: when we succeed in the realisation of more circular business cases, our exports will get a boost – that creates jobs and a future for all Dutch people that we can be proud of!Hans de Boer Chairman VNO-NCW
To understand the current status of the circular economy within the Netherlands’ largest organisations, as well as to trigger awareness and educate companies on the economic advantages of this new way of thinking, Accenture, Circle Economy, Duurzaambedrijfsleven and MVO Nederland have initiated the Circular Economy Index. As the first index of its kind, we aim to conduct this research on a regular basis, continually improving, and using it to drive awareness and document our collaborative progression towards a circular economy. Because what is not measured, is not managed.We invite you to read the report and become inspired to discover your own circular advantages! On behalf of the Circular Economy Index Research Group,
[cta link="http://www.circle-economy.com/circulareconomyindex" ]Download the report[/cta]
