Planning and Designing Circularity and Socio-Ecological Transition in Europe and Beyond: Is Technical Neutrality Really a Thing

In the wake of unprecedented global challenges, the imperative for socio-ecological transition – in which circularity discourses to reduce waste are also present – has become increasingly evident. This proposition delves into the heart of this discourse, focusing on Europe as a yet peculiar microcosm of a broader global context. The aim is to scrutinise a critical aspect of this transition – the concept of “technical neutrality”. Does the notion of technical neutrality hold water in the complex interplay between societal transformations and ecological imperatives? Through meticulous inquiry and rigorous analysis, this exploration endeavors to start to unravel the intricate dynamics that shape the intersection of technology, society, and ecology.