Coevolution between science and policy: A systematic analysis on circular economy in China and worldwide

Circular economy (CE) aims to decouple economic development from natural environment impact and has been given significant impetus by science and policy. However, existing studies often focus on a single momentum by qualitative analysis, and the impact of science-policy interaction has rarely been discussed. To explore the evolving linkage between science and policy of CE and compare different models internationally and in China, this study collected materials from bibliographic and policy databases and adopted a mixed-method approach based on big data. We found that there is two-way feedback and continuous adjustment between science and policy of CE. That is, science can guide policymakers to pay attention to social issues, to promote the introduction of relevant policies. In turn, policies, especially milestone ones, accelerate the deepening of research and facilitate optimal science resource allocation. The cycle then repeats itself until social issues are optimal. We also proposed a conceptual framework based on the topic model results for identifying and systematically categorizing CE-related science and policy. Based on the framework, the coevolution analysis results show that CE in China mainly focuses on the development strategy and policy at the macro level such as “ecological civilization” and “agricultural CE”, and there is a more obvious bandwagon effect on policy than the world. In contrast, international CE mainly focuses on the implementation at the micro level based on the market and is progressive and coherent. The results are significant to guide scholars to meet practical requirements and policymakers to adopt science achievements effectively.