The dissertation develops a system for assessing the development of regional circular economy, in particular in Xinyu City, based on the reviewed reference practices of circular economy formation and circular clusters, in order to identify effective strategies and mechanisms for promoting sustainable resource use and environmental protection. It is studied that China's circular economy demonstrates a contrasting pattern of environmental protection according to economic development and resource use: strong in the west, weak in the east, and moderate in the central regions. It is noted that there are significant regional differences in environmental protection. In the east, there is a two-level differentiation: Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Fujian perform well (levels one and two), while Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hebei, and Liaoning perform worse (levels four and five). In the central region, Anhui, Shanxi and Henan have low levels of environmental protection (levels four and five), while Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei have moderate levels (level three). In the western region, Xinjiang, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi have low levels (levels four and five), while Tibet, Qinghai, Ningxia, Gansu, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi have moderate or better levels (level three or above). The thesis develops a regional circular economy development model based on three dimensions of indicators: economic, resource and environmental indicators. They range from 0 to 1 after normalization. A spatial point in the model, reflecting its status at a certain time, represents the regional circular economy development index. The analysis of these paths aims to identify problems, identify best practices and adjust future paths, informing decision-making. It is proved that the establishment of an environmental assessment mechanism is an important measure to achieve the transformation of Xingu High-tech Zone. The implementation of measures such as clear goals, setting indicators, establishing mechanisms, and strengthening government support will help promote the high-tech zone and large enterprises to enter the path of rapid development of green, low-tech zones, carbon circular economy, and achieve coordinated development of economy and environment. From the perspective of benchmarking management, the thesis analyzes the global standards of circular economy, including the development practices of countries and regions such as the European Union, Germany, France, Japan, and the United States. It is analyzed that China's industrial parks generally have a lower degree of industrial correlation compared with foreign ones. Together, these efforts contribute to creating a social atmosphere conducive to the adaptation of the circular economy, promoting resource conservation, environmental protection, and socio-economic development. Enhanced cooperation between the public and private sectors will solve global resource and environmental problems. It is analyzed that the prospects for the development of circular clusters are: (1) technological innovation and exchange; (2) government dialogue and coordination; (3) capacity building and learning: international cooperation will strengthen national experience through capacity building programs; (4) demonstration projects and cooperation platforms; (5) international organizations and multilateral mechanisms. It is proved that in a low-carbon economy, local governments should establish support for large enterprises, in addition to traditional methods such as increasing loans and tax breaks. Environmental taxes, combined with fiscal subsidies, tax breaks, green credits and insurance and green procurement can guide enterprises towards low-carbon technologies and circular production. The need for the government to influence energy consumption behavior and promote long-term low-carbon mechanisms is substantiated, including adjusting the industrial structure, encouraging advanced technologies and management models, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions. The feasibility of considering the principles of the circular economy at the micro, meso, and macro levels when forming circular clusters is proven. It is substantiated that China's industrial clusters need to adopt the concept of the circular economy, achieving resource reduction, reuse, and recycling to form industrial ecological chains. The need for benchmarking and developing exemplary leading enterprises to create communication platforms and eco-alliances is proven. The establishment and improvement of long-term industrial cluster mechanisms with reasonable incentives and effective management will promote the harmonious development of the regional economy based on circular industrial clusters.
