Out with jobs and in with skills: measuring current circular jobs and analyzing futures

This dissertation explores the labor market transition in Belgium and Flanders from a linear economic model to a circular economy, focusing on sustainable materials management and its contribution to broader sustainable development goals. It explores new ways to monitor circular jobs and skills, the effects of circular economy strategies on skills, and an impact assessment of the COVID-19 crisis on the circular companies and their employees. Using Natural Language Processing, a General Equilibrium model and a Skills Extension Tool, an attempt is made to quantify circular activities and jobs in Belgium and analyze the impact of circular economy policy measures on jobs and skills. Regression analyses investigate the relationship between circular strategies and skills requirements among startups in Flanders, focusing on transport and logistics, research and development, IT, and technical skills. Lastly, the regression analyses also examine the resilience of companies in Flanders during the COVID-19 crisis in relation to their circularity level. The dissertation underscores the importance of proactive policy measures to support companies in building resilience, and to support employees and educational institutions to acquire the necessary skills, especially during times of crisis.