Motivating Stakeholder Engagement in a UK-Canada Circular Economy Trade Agreement

Following up on literature gaps identified in a research report entitled ” Understanding the Future of Canada-UK Trade Relationships in a Circular Economy Context” prepared in part by this application’s Academic Supervisors and funded by a SSHRC Knowledge Synthesis Grant, this research project will investigate how to motivate UK stakeholders and increase their engagement in a new trade agreement between Canada and the UK that supports and motivates a circular economy. Based on a recent OECD report, a circular-economy is one that integrates economic, environmental, and social sustainability concepts through a redesigned “closed loop” cyclical use of resources (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2018). With a direct link between international trade and the transition towards a circular economy, better understanding the needs and desires of UK stakeholders in regards to Canadian trade policy could lead to increased support of a circular trade agreement. While no direct surveys or formal interviews will be performed, informal discussions related to specific literature on this subject will take place. The higher the engagement – the more justifiable, effective and successfully negotiated a Canada-UK circular trade agreement could be.

Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2018). https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy

Faculty Supervisor:

Philip Walsh

Student:

Partner:

University of Winchester

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Education

University:

Toronto Metropolitan University