The impending digital transformation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution holds the potential to redefine the very basis of our materials-reliant industrial economy. Enabled by the internet of things, a new model of growth gradually gaining independence from finite resource extraction is emerging. Can pervasive connectivity become the new infrastructure enabling effective material flows, keeping products, components and materials at their highest value at all times, thus enabling the coming of age of the circular economy?

This report's purpose is studying the interplay between thevalue drivers of circular business practices and intelligent assets. Its goal is to shed light on the value creation opportunities that are emerging from this interplay, and to give a directional perspective on potential opportunities in the medium to long-term. In doing so, it seeks to initiate a discussion inspiring businesses, innovators, and policymakers to explore the synergies that circular economy and intelligent assets can generate. Around 40 businesses and institutions have been consulted in the process of creating this report.