Research Stay in Montpellier: Systems Thinking and the Organization of Circular Economies

15.05.2026 Katharina Hug and Alexa Böckel tell us about their research stay.

Last month, members of LOST spent time in France. Alexa and Katharina spent four weeks as visiting scholars at the Montpellier Business School (MBS). Funded by Leuphana University Lüneburg, this residency aimed to deepen our international research collaborations and advance the theoretical framework of the MEHRCE project.

Theoretical Framework: Systems Thinking and Leverage Points

The research stay centered on a collaboration with Prof Dr Domenico Dentoni, a renowned expert in systemic thinking. The primary objective was the development of a joint manuscript exploring how Systems Thinking can identify critical leverage points within reusable packaging systems. We conceptualize reusability not merely as a logistical challenge, but as a complex organizational "systemic problem" situated at the intersection of social practices, political regulation, and institutional incentives.

Academic Highlights & Knowledge Exchange:

Systems Mapping as a Boundary Object: We engaged in rigorous debates regarding the potential of Systems Maps to function as "boundary objects" within innovation ecosystems. These maps serve to integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives and provide a theoretical foundation for connecting European circular economy initiatives.
International Scholarly Discourse: During a guest lecture at MBS, we presented the MEHRCE project to an international audience. The critical reflections provided by French Master’s students offered a vital "outside-in" perspective on our assumptions regarding reuse systems, highlighting the importance of institutional context in organizational solutions.
System Emergence & Practices: A significant milestone was our participation in the Systems Research & Practice Day in Barcelona. We presented preliminary findings on "Practices to support system emergence," theorizing the micro-foundations of systemic shifts in the circular economy.

Relational Research: The Role of "Emotional Care"

Beyond methodological rigor, the research stay provided an opportunity to reflect on the conditions of scientific knowledge production. Working with Domenico Dentoni and his team underscored that academic excellence is built on a foundation of "emotional care" and robust personal ties. Whether through formal faculty discussions or informal exchanges during a hike up Pic Saint-Loup, we were reminded that social cohesion within the scientific community is a prerequisite for innovative research.

We return to Lüneburg with refined methodological tools and are eager to integrate these insights into the LOST group’s academic discourse and the further advancement of MEHRCE.