Agency in Circular City Ecosystems—A Rationalities Perspective

The concept of agency is increasingly used in the literature on sustainability transitions. In this paper, we add to that discussion by arguing rationality opens new avenues theorizing relational transitions toward a circular economy. To end, compare conceptions from management (e.g., collaboration and competition) with critical theory perspectives instrumental communicative rationality). This leads us develop typology matrix for describing plural rationalities underpinning agency. We illustrate using excerpts an in-depth case study ongoing city-coordinated ecosystem develops smart technology-enabled urban area based principles circularity. first contribution interdisciplinary paper offer rational perspective antecedents economy transitions, where communicatively action enables change. Secondly, our contributes cities through conceptualizing transition as simultaneous competition. Thirdly, introduces dyadic coopetition provides operating space which professionals can navigate, depending type coopetitive situation.