Information Technology and Systems in China's Circular Economy : Implications for Sustainability

The information technology (IT) and IT products industry has become the essential "first pillar" industry and an important force behind the growth of China's national economy. However, information technology-related electrical and electronic waste has also caused a considerable environmental burden to China. This paper focuses on the developing circular economy (CE) policy within China and its relationship to China's IT and IT products industry. We introduce a comprehensive framework of CE in China using three categories of CE innovations: technical innovation, organizational innovation, and institutional innovation. We provide insights into how IT and IT related systems influence and are influenced within each of these CE categories. Implications for research are also presented