X-Shoring and the Circular Economy: Drivers, Synergies, and Geographic Interrelations

In the wake of sustainability challenges and geopolitical tensions, the circular economy and x-shoring have received increasing attention as possible solutions or models for future development. Both concepts have an important geographic dimension and share other features such as foci on resilience and security. In this article, we elaborate on the two concepts and explore common drivers, potential synergies, and geographic interrelations. X-shoring is used here to refer to several related concepts such as reshoring, backshoring, or friendshoring. Drawing on insights about directionality, socioinstitutional change, technoeconomic change, and the resulting spatial implications, we highlight the differences and similarities between the two emerging empirical phenomena. We discuss how the economic and circular potentials of x-shoring can be reaped and how plausible negative spatial effects can be avoided. Finally, we highlight the important role of policy in navigating and negotiating these developments and their multiscalar outcomes, and outline promising research avenues to better understand the economic geographies of x-shoring and its opportunities for greener value chains.