4.1. Results of the Bibliometric Analysis

To complete the information from the literature review regarding the recent studies in circular economy and the link to the job market issues in CEE countries, we conducted a systematic literature review in the Web of Science database, choosing the Boolean function of the platform. This part of the research allowed us to extend our primary conclusions regarding the focus in research and to structure the interview guide in line with the main trends and gaps in research regarding this field.

Even though the circular economy and its implication on the labour market represent a critical topic for EU countries, the related research agenda is underdeveloped in the CEE region. Little research has been conducted on what the real implications are for an employee when switching from a linear economic model to a circular model. The systematic literature review revealed the lack of research in the CEE region related to the connection between the circular economy and the labour market. In order to complete the knowledge in the field, we built an interview guide to cover the gaps identified through the bibliometric analysis. In this regard, out of ten questions, six were designed to refer indirectly to the impact of the circular economy on the labour market, and two were designed to refer directly to the challenges of the green jobs for Romania.

4.2. Results of the Interview Data Analysis

The completed interviews were followed by a qualitative content analysis, which consisted of categorisation of the obtained data by coding. We synthesised a series of main drivers (themes), completed by significant challenges for job creation (patterns) in the circular economy in Romania. Since the number of interviews was not very large, the interpretation of the results was conducted by manually coding the responses. In this regard, we used Microsoft Excel to count similar responses and highlight differences. The data obtained were summarized in a map of the interview data.

Given that the selected interviewees represented a balanced mix of experts from research, public, and private sectors, and that each interview was conducted in depth, we believe that the sample size is sufficient to capture diverse perspectives and identify recurring themes and challenges in a meaningful way. We selected a series of key subjects related to significant challenges for job creation in the circular economy in Romania. These subjects provided a structured framework for mapping the interviews, allowing us to systematically compare expert insights, highlight key areas of convergence and divergence, and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping circular economy employment.

The results indicate that the circular economy is a fundamental pillar for building sustainable and equitable economic growth, as resulted from the interview data. This is directly related to some other interconnected aspects, such as sustainability, transition, stakeholders, national strategy, the NRRP (National Resilience and Recovery Plan), and Romanian national targets. Complementary to the circular economy is the theme of green jobs, with two disposable dimensions: training and qualifications and the new green managers.

The multifaceted role of the circular economy represents a cornerstone for achieving growth within the EU. It contributes to a society more resilient to climate change and economic challenges (R9), being resource saving, economically efficient, and environmentally protective (R17) while increasing the rational use of the resources by stimulating innovation and competitiveness, creating jobs, and reducing human-caused environmental impact (R12).

An essential element that was revealed in the results is linked to promoting sustainability in all areas, from environmental protection to fostering multiple perspectives of innovation through responsible behaviour. For example, one respondent stated that “the circular economy has an important role to play in promoting sustainable economic growth in EU Member States, contributing to the goals of sustainability [and] reducing environmental impacts. At the same time, the circular economy means technological, economic, and social innovation, generating new concepts to help develop the field” (R9). Complementary to innovation, recycling is an essential component that makes possible the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, in that it has “its counterbalancing role for conservative development based on non-renewable energy use” (R16) and aims to reduce waste generation, where “the circular economy is an economic model that focuses on minimising resource consumption, reducing waste, and maximising the use of existing resources (R7)”. In reinforcing new tools for preserving biodiversity, ecosystems, and the creation of new production niches, environmental policies represent an asset for the creation of green jobs: “the circular economy contributes to using resources efficiently, stimulating innovation and competitiveness, creating jobs, and reducing environmental impacts” (R12). Furthermore, for R13, the CE brings significant opportunities for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life, while for R11, in adopting and promoting the principles of the CE “we can build a more prosperous, sustainable society that delivers long-term benefits for the environment, the economy, and society as a whole”.

Romania’s current consumption transition is another theme that was emphasised in the interview data. The existing consumption model in Romania and in other CEE countries may produce significant barriers to the development of a circular economy. Consumption in Romania is linear—i.e., the product is used only once and then thrown away; there is no possibility of recycling in all cases, and there is a dependence on imports for both raw materials and final products (R9). Maintaining patterns from the culture of waste and a lack of awareness about sustainable consumption practices were identified as key obstacles: the model is based on resource wastage, a massive import of primary and secondary resources, and an intensive use of fossil fuels, as well as a massive storage of waste and garbage (R17). Moreover, the reuse and product lifespan extension practices could replace these waste habits; this pattern is often characterised by a focus on consumption of new products and a throwaway culture at the expense of reuse, repair, and recycling practices (R13).

Major barriers are displayed by inadequate legislation, which must be aligned with EU environmental regulations. In particular, the differentiated collection of waste and the protection of nature from the residues of human activities (R8), along with infrastructure consolidation recycling and waste management infrastructure may also be underdeveloped or insufficient to support a circular economy (R13), representing significant issues to be underpinned for a reliable transition. Also, education was one highlighted factor that was expected to bring behavioural change based on environmental responsibility. Respondent 9 stated that these obstacles will be overcome once a new generation of young people enter the market and receive a different kind of education in school, which is against waste, pro-recycling, with respect for the environment.

Decisionmakers play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of waste and recycling management policies. Two significant aspects are linked within this process—regulations and public policies. The responsibilities of decision makers include setting standards, promoting sustainable practices, and taking appropriate measures to facilitate the transition to the green economy: they impose standards, promote sustainable practices, conduct awareness-raising campaigns, assess impacts, and adapt policies to make the green transition more effective, mitigating natural resistance to change (R6). They are also tasked with supervising the economic impact of the environmental policies, monitoring the macro and micro economic levels, and measuring the effects generated by the implemented specific policies (R9). R11 emphasised the importance of stakeholders in addressing access to adequate solutions, particularly in proper impact assessment, stakeholder consultation, the promotion of innovation and investment, and the continuous monitoring and adaptation of policies to these changing circumstances. Moreover, investing in an effective technological framework to ensure efficient waste management and increased recycling rates provides the necessary resources for adequate recycling and waste management infrastructure (R10). Along with raising community awareness, by promoting public information campaigns, environmental education should be introduced into the compulsory school curricula (R8). A step forward to generate further facilities is to boost research related to projects involving recycling, reuse, refurbishment, reconditioning, repair, and other components of the “9R strategy” (R15).

The second aspect has a technological and educational dimension. It refers to both perspectives; on the one hand, needs hinder the retraining of personnel for the use of new technologies. The creation of “green” jobs requires the re-engineering of production processes, the qualification of the necessary workforce, and the development of study programs adapted to the needs and principles of the circular economy (R1). On the other hand, there is a shortage of skilled workers in Romania, indicating a gap in the education system and professional training. Alack of qualifications in the workforce involved in production processes requires the development of study programs adapted to the needs and principles of the circular economy (high school, university, professional, and vocational education) (R5).

The third aspect discloses inconsistent policies and obsolete social patterns. Unstable and changing environmental policies and regulations due to insufficient involvement of politicians, inter-ministerial committees, civil society, and the media (R8) can be interrelated with resistance to change attitudes as well as individual conservatism when it comes to something new (R7). Also, the lack of occupational standards dedicated to the green economy in Romania (R2) presents a significant challenge in the development of national targeted education and training programs.

From the respondents’ general perspectives, companies need new types of managers, the so-called “green” managers, to navigate the transition to green practices. Existing managers can also adapt with proper training. The transition to a greener and more sustainable company may involve new types of managers, or the development of new skills and competencies in existing managers (R10).

Their specific skill set is one aspect of this theme: companies looking to adopt sustainable business practices and integrate sustainability into their culture and operations will need managers who are not just prepared but inspired to lead this transition and will bring new skills and perspectives to the organisation (R11). Some of the most representative competencies illustrated in the interview data encompass a vision for green technology implementation, openness to change, and a deep understanding of waste recycling and sustainable business practices. According to Respondent 8, visionary managers who focus on innovation and low-impact technologies represent the new profile characteristics. In contrast, Respondent 12 emphasised that skills in risk management, effective communication, and promoting a sustainable supply chain are essential.

Another key aspect of the theme is professional experience doubled by managerial expertise. Managers are usually double-professional, i.e., they are specialists in one field (engineer, builder) and they also have managerial training. In this case, they need to know the concepts of circular economy, including the technical aspects and also how to manage such a company efficiently (R9).

The national strategy theme represents a key driver that promotes a circular economy. The development and implementation process encompasses an alignment with European policies and programs and strict regulations on waste, along with financial incentives and funding sources. Some distinct measures have proven their efficiency, as Respondent 6 argued: implement strict regulations on waste of all kinds, as what is happening now in big chain stores (i.e., the recycling label) seems like a good step.

Financial incentives contribute as compensatory stimuli targeted at the population to raise awareness. The implementation of the circular economy can only be achieved with the support of the population, which can be attracted primarily through financial policies/incentives (R7). Moreover, mass education through media campaigns is a crucial factor in information and knowledge sharing. EU legislation needs to be implemented quickly at the national level, but there is also a need for intense publicity through media campaigns and the competence of the ministries and agencies involved, coupled with beneficial initiatives from the authorities (R17). For the benefit of diverse state and non-state entities, the dissemination of successful experiences is pointed out as relevant; namely, the collaboration and partnerships between different stakeholders, including the public sector, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and local communities. These partnerships can contribute to the exchange of resources, knowledge, and best practices in the field of the circular economy (R14). Finally, investments in research and innovation, and a concerted coordination effort at the national level—with clear strategic objectives and measurable indicators—are landmarks for the success of adopting an environmental strategy. Investments in RDI lead to the establishment of such an area in the national economy, the awareness of those interested in the support offered by the authorities in this regard, regulation of the field, tax subsidies, and financial incentives for companies that have such activities (R9).