Statistical Monitoring of the Circular Economy: International Approaches and Prospects of Their Implementation in Ukraine

Abstract

The article contains an analytical review of current international approaches to the statistical monitoring of the circular economy, with elaborating on their adaptability to the Ukrainian statistical system. The research is based on the analysis of methodological approaches developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and Eurostat, and contributions by individual scholars. A review of the evolution of statistical approaches to circular economy measurement is made, including the development of indicator sets, classification frameworks, and integrated monitoring models. The key indicators used in international monitoring frameworks, including Domestic Material Consumption (DMC), Material Footprint (MF), Resource Productivity (RP), and Circular Material Use Rate (CMUR), are discussed. Particular attention is attached to the OECD– UNECE conceptual framework for measuring the circular economy and its role in harmonizing international statistical practices in this field. The analysis gives evidence of poor statistical support for the socio- environmental dimension of the circular economy in Ukraine. The current system of official statistical observations envisage neither recording of employment and gross value added in circular economy sectors nor estimations of social effects of the circular transformation. This does not allow for a holistic assessment of economic results from the implementation of circular economy principles and their implications for labor market. Some components of the international monitoring system have already had an appropriate statistical support in Ukraine. It mainly refers to statistics on generation and treatment of waste, use of energy resources, renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental characteristics. However, the above indicators tend to be used as isolated components of the statistical observation, not fully incorporated in the integrated system for circular economy assessment.