Introduction

Abstract

More than a decade ago, three of us joined forces to write a book on the role of innovation in environmental protection. The title of that book “Eco-Innovation: When Sustainability and Competitiveness Shake Hands” captured our conviction to explore win-win solutions for a wider impact. Continuing our journey with this new book, we realize the world has changed quite a bit in a decade. Today, we find that the environment and innovation are both pertinent centrepieces of the highest policy and business agendas. Among all efforts to link competitiveness and sustainability, the concept of circular economy (CE) is probably the one with the highest momentum.