The Role of Digitalization in Facilitating Circular Economy

Abstract

Highlights A scoping review was conducted by analyzing 68 articles to identify available literature and connections among digitalization, circular economy, and agri-food applications. Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and Big Data were the most common Industry 4.0 themes, whereas Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Smart Manufacturing are increasingly adopted within industries. Agri-food industry has unique challenges compared to other industries. Precision agriculture, smart packaging, smart manufacturing, and consumer-level focused solutions are promising. Food industry also faces policy, economic, and social barriers that need to be addressed to digitalize the circular economy. Abstract. Circular Economy (CE) and digitalization are two emerging concepts transforming industries, including the agricultural and food industries. Accordingly, there has been growing research interest in these topics and the potential of digital tools to support the transition toward a CE. The aim of this scoping literature review is to identify the synergies and current state of research on digital tools supporting CE concepts in various industries, with an emphasis on agri-food systems. A total of 68 articles, seven of which focus specifically on the agri-food industry, were reviewed. Current digital tools that can support CE concepts as outlined by the ReSOLVE framework were identified and discussed, along with barriers to implementing digital CE approaches. Results from this review suggest that digital tools such as IoT, Cloud Computing, Advanced Sensing, Digital Twins, Robotics, and AI will play a critical role in enabling CE solutions within agri-food systems. But a holistic approach that addresses policy, economic, and social domains in concert with technological development is needed to achieve a tangible pathway toward the implementation of digital CE solutions. Assessment and adoption of specific digitalization approaches offer numerous opportunities for circular economy transformation within agricultural and food systems. Keywords: Circular economy, Digitalization, Food, Agriculture, Industry 4.0.