sustainability Article An Overview of the Transition to a Circular Economy in Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy Considering Technological, Legal–Regulatory and Financial Points of View: A Case Study Daniela Sani 1, Sara Picone 1, Augusto Bianchini 2,* , Fabio Fava 3, Patricia Guarnieri 4 and Jessica Rossi 2 1 ART-ER Attractiveness Research Territory, 40129 Bologna, Italy;
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[email protected] (S.P.) 2 Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
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[email protected]; Tel.: +39-0543-374438 Abstract: The circular economy is a growing and strategic topic and has motivated changes and innovations in several segments of research, businesses, financial sectors and public administration. In this context, the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) is considered a pioneer in Italy, due to the efforts taken for the transition towards a circular economy. It was the first Italian region to launch a specific law on the subject besides to have relevant projects. Thus, the objective of this paper is to analyse the efforts aimed at the transition to a circular economy in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy, considering technological, legal–regulatory, and financial points of view under a market orientation. Complementary, we pointed out the main initiatives related to the circular economy and the areas of interest. To gather data, we conducted applied, descriptive and qualitative research.