Policy models based on ‘big data’ and other ‘smart’ systems, including those for circular economy (CE) transition, are proliferating as technology enables deeper monitoring and analysis. At the same time, policymaking is occurring in increasingly contentious and politically fragmented settings, particularly as populism foregrounds anti-science and post-truth sentiments. More sophisticated models would appear to improve empirical understandings about policy problems and help resolve associated disputes, but a conclusive policy ‘truth’ remains elusive and politically contestable. This contention highlights the need to understand competing narratives and their influence on model designs and inputs.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344922006255

Hartley, Kris and Kirchherr, Julian. (2023). “Circular economy: trust the models?” Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 190.