Brufonctionnel

The economy of functionality (EF), whereby the sale of a product is replaced by the provision of its function, is a promising way of dematerializing economic activity. However, this model implies changes of a systemic nature, and comes up against technical-legal-economic as well as behavioral barriers. Based on an analysis of three Brussels-based organizations, this project proposes to study the obstacles to strengthening the EF model in the Brussels area, as well as the potential catalysts for such an economic model, on both the supply and demand sides. To do so, we mobilize the conceptual frameworks of entrepreneurial ecosystem and habitual practices, while focusing on the characterization of transition trajectories.

Context

The Brussels-Capital Region has made the circular economy a pillar of its social and ecological transition, notably through its BeCircular initiative and its Shifting Economy strategy. The economy of functionality is an economic model that is particularly well-suited to circular practices. It is therefore important to consider the conditions for its adoption in Brussels.

Needs addressed

Brussels-based companies offering functional economy services face specific challenges that may jeopardize their viability, and which are not yet well described in the scientific literature. A better understanding of what can slow down the adoption of circular rental or subscription services to access consumer goods would help strengthen public policies promoting this model, and provide companies with avenues to increase the relevance of their offer.

Expected results

The results of the research have been published in several scientific journals:
https://journals.openedition.org/brussels/6706
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.1048554/full
https://journals.openedition.org/developpementdurable/17046
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652623004535?via%3Dihub

Financing

Brussels-Capital Region (Innoviris)

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