Nataša Petrović’s scientific contributions

The linear model of the economy, which is currently present, implies the way of production and consumption in enormous quantities, where the environment is exploited, the constant use of natural resources and energy to obtain certain products, which after use are discarded, i.e. end up in landfills and everywhere in the environment. The circular economy is one of the possible concepts that must be considered as a potential solution and a response to the challenge of sustainability. But the transition and application of the circular economy and its principles is a long process, a complex, not at all simple and quite serious task. In order to move from a linear model of economy, to a completely new and dynamic system, such as circular economy, it is necessary to develop a series of tools, indicators, measuring instruments, which would allow better and simpler monitoring of efficiency and effects of circular economy. This chapter will provide an overview of circular economy indicators at different levels, with a focus on the review of indicators as well as the evaluation system developed by the European Union, which would help decision-makers, both nationally and locally and at the enterprise level.KeywordsCircular economyCircular economy indicatorsEuropean Union indicators

In the wake of environmental challenges, it becomes questionable whether transfer from linear to a nonlinear or circular economy can be achieved by continuing to employ traditional linear ways of thinking about potential solutions and designing the tools for achieving the desired outcomes that should lead to overall planetary sustainability. Instead, for this important issue, it is necessary to involve a number of stakeholders in the implementation and measurement of circular economy implementation efficiency in practice. In addition to governments and industry, the entire society must participate in this, including higher education institutions. Higher education is necessary because it is a crucial tool for achieving sustainability and sustainable development. The quality of education is very important in economies – in this case, circular economies. Bearing this in mind, the key aspect of this chapter focuses on the scientific research in circular economy education among students of the University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia. The results obtained can be a useful source of information to other educators, at a time when improving education for sustainability is gaining more and more credibility and scientific ground.KeywordsCircular economySustainabilityHigher educationHigher education for circular economyCurriculum