Selecting and Applying Territorial Circular Economy Indicators: A Review of Frameworks with Two Finnish Case Studies

Efforts to advance circular economy in cities and regions often face the challenge of selecting meaningful indicators that reflect local priorities and practical realities. This study provides practical guidance for cities aiming to operationalize circular economy principles and advance urban sustainability goals, in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Rather than proposing a universal set of indicators, the study focuses on how cities and regions can select a limited and context-specific set of indicators from existing frameworks. The study reviews existing indicator frameworks and explores their practical applicability, highlighting both their strengths and limitations in real-world application. Based on an analysis of recent literature, common obstacles such as limited data availability, complexity, and the need for context-sensitive approaches, as well as ethical dimensions, are identified. Two Finnish case studies, City of Helsinki and Central Finland Region, illustrate how indicator selection processes can be tailored to local strategies, resources, and reporting practices. The Helsinki case demonstrates the value of aligning indicators with strategic goals and transparent monitoring, while the Central Finland case underscores the importance of realistic expectations and adapting to available data. The findings indicate that effective circularity assessment depends on balancing ambition with feasibility. A structured, locally adapted approach to indicator selection can enhance the robustness and usefulness of circular economy monitoring in urban and regional settings.