# Information and Communication Technology Solutions for the Circular Economy
## Challenges  
Despite the numerous benefits of ICT solutions for the CE, there are still several challenges and barriers regarding the use of ICT, in the way to a more restorative and regenerative economy. Mapping all the relevant challenges is a rather puzzling task, due to the diverse nature of the ICT solutions and the complex interconnections among the challenges. Table 2 contains representative examples of challenges frequently occurring in the scientific literature. As presented in Table 2, certain cases of customers with limited awareness of environmental issues can be a significant barrier to the adoption of CE technologies [96]. In addition to this, according to [PERSON] et al., there is a widespread perception that re-used products are of lower quality than new ones [97]. Issues in relation to corporate responsibility have an equally damaging effect. [PERSON] et al. note that the lack of commitment on the part of the organizations' leaders is a major challenge for CE [98]. Trust and the added value of cooperation among different stakeholders can play a key role in the transition to a CE. However, since conflicting interests are present in many cases, the establishment of trust and cooperation can also pose important challenges. In particular, the lack of stakeholder cooperation, including service provider cooperation, impedes the smart waste management adoption according to [PERSON] et al. [99]. [PERSON] et al. recognize that sharing of data between competitors, whilst ensuring property rights and privacy, as well as establishing trust constitute important challenges for the digitization in a CE environment [100]. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline
**Challenge** & **Citation** \\ \hline Consumer attitude & [96; 97] \\ \hline Corporate responsibility & [98] \\ \hline Cooperation and trust & [99; 100] \\ \hline Data uncertainty & [101; 102] \\ \hline Economic & [103; 104; 105] \\ \hline Environmental impact & [106; 107] \\ \hline Information use & [108; 109] \\ \hline Lack of capacity & [99] \\ \hline Policies & [110; 111] \\ \hline Product design & [112] \\ \hline Security & [113] \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: Challenges in Adopting Circular ICT Solutions. Data uncertainty is identified as another obstacle for the CE. [PERSON] et al. underline that some simulation models are imperfect and need to be enriched with further data [101]. [PERSON] et al. state that \"Noise\" in lifecycle big data might have a negative impact on the accuracy and reliability of decisions [102]. Moreover, costs related to investments for circular digital technologies might discourage businesses from adopting such technologies, in spite of the long-term benefits they might have [103]. Lack of support from public funds might be an additional burden [104]. [PERSON] et al. recognize the challenge of the proper allocation of economic costs and benefits in an industrial symbiosis context [105]. One of the most important concepts of the CE is that the economy and the environment should coexist in equilibrium [114]. As a result, potential negative environmental impacts from CE technologies pose significant challenges. As a remarkable example, [PERSON] et al. refer to the problem of 3D printing leading to increased resource consumption through higher demand for customized goods, higher rate of product obsolescence, and less eco-efficient localized production [106]. [PERSON] et al. also highlight re-spending and imperfect substitution as two examples of the environmental rebound effect (ERE), caused by the smartphones' reuse [107]. Efficient information use is also of paramount importance for the success of CE models. [PERSON] et al. argue that the lack of information or the ambiguities regarding what information is required by who may be obstacles for waste management systems [108]. [PERSON] et al. refer to the inadequate use of systematic information systems by many companies [109]. Capacity-related problems, especially with respect to the lack of proper skills and training, represent an additional barrier.