The Role of Eco-industrial Parks in Promoting Regional Circular Economy: A Stakeholder Perspective

In this paper, we discuss an eco-industrial park (EIP) formation process and its role in promoting regional circular economy (CE) policy from a stakeholder perspective. This case study adds to the knowledge of stakeholder engagement and the role of intermediation in EIP formation and related urban–regional CE policies. By reviewing the case of the ECO3 bioeconomy and CE industrial park in Tampere Region, Finland, we analyze the role of a city-owned development company in the EIP development as an intermediary between public and private stakeholder interests. Intermediation proved to be fruitful in the EIP formation process, as the intermediator sufficiently catalyzed the alignment of stakeholder interests, and various stakeholders thus contributed resources (stakes) to the development process, which furthered the growth of the EIP. The case illustrates how a hybrid actor, such as a city-owned development company, may serve as an important catalyst in regional CE promotion.