Convergence of Life Sciences, Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation: Emerging Pathways for Research, Industry and Future Careers
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The transition towards a sustainable and resilient economy increasingly depends on the convergence of knowledge systems that have traditionally developed in separate domains.Life sciences provide fundamental knowledge of biological resources, organisms, biomolecules, ecosystems and regenerative processes, while circular economy principles provide a systems-oriented framework for eliminating waste, circulating materials and products, and regenerating natural systems.Sustainable innovation connects these foundations with technologies, industrial practices, business models and human capabilities capable of translating scientific knowledge into measurable environmental, social and economic value.This conceptual review examines the emerging convergence of life sciences, circular economy and sustainable innovation and considers its implications for research, industry, entrepreneurship and future careers.The discussion integrates evidence from international organisations, sustainability frameworks, life-cycle thinking, natural-fibre research, digital traceability, green and digital skills literature, and regenerative systems perspectives.Particular attention is given to bio-based materials, circular product systems, life-cycle assessment, digital product passports, interdisciplinary competencies and T-shaped professional capabilities.The review proposes a conceptual pathway -Nature → Science → Circularity → Sustainability → Technology → Innovation → Entrepreneurship → Industry → Global Careers → Impact-to illustrate how biological knowledge can progress from resource understanding and scientific discovery towards circular industrial value creation.A complementary research-to-impact pathway-Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Evidence → Validation → Prototype → Pilot → Market → Impactis proposed to strengthen the translation of research into implementation.The review argues that the next generation of sustainability professionals will require not only disciplinary depth but also the ability to collaborate across science, engineering, business, policy and digital technology.The convergence of life sciences and circular economy
Institution: PSG College of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7221321908