Dr. Stephanie Hodgson

Biography

Stephanie Hodgson has a multidisciplinary academic background culminating in a first-class Master’s degree from King’s College London. Her thesis involved conducting experimental research in Beijing, where she tested the applicability of Western-derived linguistic pedagogy in the Chinese educational context. She is currently a PhD Candidate in the Innovation Studies group at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University. Her research centers on the circular economy, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities of applying circular strategies in service sector industries. Stephanie collaborates closely with stakeholders in the hair and beauty industry, where she conducts research and actively disseminates her findings. She is especially interested in critical factors such as customer experience, small team dynamics, supplier relations, and regulatory compliance that shape the adoption of circular strategies in various contexts. Her work seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical circular economy frameworks and their practical applications, ensuring that the specific needs and challenges of service industries are addressed in the pursuit of sustainability. Stephanie's PhD research is in collaboration with the University of Southampton, where her initial research proposal was developed. She is also involved in the ‘CIRCULAR’ project, an international initiative aimed at collaborative innovation in the circular economy, led by researchers from the Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research, part of Oslo Metropolitan University. This project seeks to understand the main governance factors driving co-creation in innovative circular economies, focusing on urban case studies from Norway, South Africa, and the Netherlands, with her contribution focusing on the Utrecht case, particularly the Werkspoorkwartier, a circular hub built for sustainable creative entrepreneurs.

Research Interests

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