Advancing repair thinking. A conceptual framework to link three dimensions of circular transition accounting for techno-economic, social, and regulatory factors

Since 2002, the European Union has strengthened its regulatory framework on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment through directives and policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility, Right to Repair, and the Digital Product Passport, setting collection and disposal targets for Member States. However, actual collection rates often fall short of these goals. Scholars have focused on design research for more sustainable and lasting products, new business and consumption models, and social innovation. However, little and fragmented attention has been paid to the different interconnected dimensions that underpin the circular transition in light of repair-driven design. This paper seeks to shed light on the debate about EEE transition by analysing regulatory systems, industrial models and strategies, and social dimension of consumption (multi-layer perspective) to project hypothetical scenarios. Through a combined systematic literature review, this study addresses (i) the application of speculative techniques to circular transition, (II) and the relationship between policy settings, initiatives, and production models focused on extending product lifespan. A conceptual framework is proposed on a three-layer structure. Applying Voros's future cone, the framework is assessed through the confrontation of the current situation and a hypothetical scenario.