Project

Making Circular Performance Measurable at the Firm Level

By 2050, we aim for a 100% circular economy. But what does that mean for organizations? This project develops a tool to measure and compare circular performance. Through a longitudinal study, we continuously balance scientific rigor with practical applicability, providing organizations with targeted support on their circular journey.

The goal of this project is to develop a practical measurement tool that shows how circular an organization is. This helps firms understand their current position, compare themselves to others, and improve. We will continue developing the tool and collecting data over time to track circularity trends. This way, we support firms step by step on their journey toward a circular future.

In this video, in collaboration with Route Circulair and Van Straten Medical, we explain how the Circular Maturity Measurement, a measuring instrument to make circular performance transparent and comparable, works and is applied.

The consortium aims to support at least 10,000 organizations in transitioning to circular thinking and action by 2030 (status as of 01-03-2025: 1,750).
A systemic measurement tool to assess circular performance, available in two languages via THIS link.
Scientific validation of the developed instrument. Integration of circular performance measurement into higher education (universities of applied sciences and research universities).
Continuation of longitudinal research within a multi-year collaboration.

01 September 2021 - 31 May 2026

This project follows a complete design science cycle, including alpha and beta testing. It combines literature research with data from both qualitative and quantitative sources, ensuring a solid scientific foundation and practical applicability.

"This project is an iconic project because it combines research and education with passion and has a tremendous impact on the professional field."
Eva Reuling - College van Bestuur Hogeschool Utrecht

This project has a significant impact on both education and professional practice. Graduates from various universities of applied sciences and research universities contribute to its development. Moreover, the tool has been used in education since 2023, and a dedicated educational module is on the way. Additionally, we collaborate with many companies and industry organizations in its development. Finally, as of March 1, 2025, more than 1,750 organizations have already used the tool to take concrete steps toward circular entrepreneurship.

Arjen Wierikx
- Researcher
- Research group: Process Innovation and Information Systems
Pascal Ravesteijn
- Professor
- Research group: Process Innovation and Information Systems

All researchers

Process Innovation and Information Systems

This project involves intensive collaboration with the Innovation Technology Entrepreneurship & Marketing research group at Eindhoven University of Technology and the Utrecht-based organisation Route Circulair.

Complete the Circular Maturity Measurement by clicking on this link.
See how the Circular Maturity Measurement works here: LinkedINpost with video recording.
See the scientific poster about the Circular Maturity Measurement here.
See the project website here: Slim Circulair.
See a publication here: Measuring Circularity: The Gordian Knot of the 21st Century
See a publication here: Measuring the contribution of logistics to the development of circular business models.
See a publication here: Collaboration in the Value Chain as a Key to Circular Performance.
See a webinar here about: Circular economy? How do you actually measure that?
See a performance by Arjen Wierikx at the Service Leadership Summit 2023 here.

Arjen Wierikx

Arjen Wierikx

Researcher
Research group: Process Innovation and Information Systems