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Artificial Intelligence and the Circular Economy

Year of Publication

2019

This paper provides an initial exploration of the intersection between two emerging megatrends: artificial intelligence and the circular economy.

Source:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Author(s):

Geography:

Global

Type:

Data, Solutions

Purpose of Measurement:

Solution Sets and Impact Potential

Impact theme(s):

Material Flows

This paper provides an initial exploration of the intersection between two emerging megatrends: artificial intelligence and the circular economy. The research examines the application of AI in two value chains: food and consumer electronics. This report represents a first step towards understanding how AI could accelerate the transition towards a circular economy at scale. It finds that AI can offer substantial improvements in three main areas: product design, operations, and infrastructure optimisation.

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