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TRSM researchers release report on opportunities for trade expansion post-Brexit

December 05, 2018

There are plenty of challenges that Brexit will present regarding international trade, but two TRSM researchers, Dr. Deborah de Lange and Dr. Philip Walsh, found that it may also open up opportunities for Canada. 

Their recent research study, supported by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Knowledge Synthesis Grant, found recognition in a literature review and in interviewee responses that a future UK-Canada trade agreement could support circular economy trade – an economic exchange that integrates social, economic and environmental sustainability. 

Sustainable aspects of the Canada-Europe trade agreement (CETA) could represent a foundation, but any future agreement might have to review and revise CETA sections to specifically include circularity. In a future bilateral trade agreement, additional consideration for resource and waste management, as well as design collaboration is required.

Dr. de Lange, Associate Professor, Global Management Studies, and Dr. Walsh, Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship & Strategy and Interim Associate Dean, Faculty and Academic, worked jointly with a researcher at the University of Winchester on their study.

The research report also identifies knowledge gaps and recommends future research that may facilitate Canada-UK circular economy trade, such as negotiating conditions for this type of trade.  It additionally proposes various linkages or interfaces along international value chains where circular economy dynamics could be facilitated by international trade.

 (PDF file) Read the full report, “Understanding the Future of Canada-UK Trade Relationships in a Circular Economy Context. (opens in new window) 

A pole with a Britain flag pointing the other way from the European Union flag