Industry/Government/Academia Collaboration for Utilizing Information Technology to Promote Circular Economy and Decarbonization

Abstract

In order to promote a circular economy and realize a decarbonized society, it is necessary to make the best use of finite resources. Along with that, use of the right resource for the right place ― spatially, qualitatively, economically and temporally in synch ― is also important.
　For that purpose, information sharing through collaborations between industry, government, and academia are indispensable. To meet such challenges two organizations were formed: the IoT Council of Waste Management and Recycling was established in 2016 and the Information Technology Utilization Research Group of the Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management Research was established in 2018. In addition to introducing an overview of all activities and the progress of examination, the paper discusses the necessity for DX in the waste treatment/recycling industry and the way forward for achieving a circular economy in the future.