01824cam a2200241 4500500 20260322004303.0 fre dc Lopez Merino, Pedro author Charlier, Christophe author Guerci, Eric author Governing Plastic as Commons: Polycentric and Adaptive Pathways to a Circular Economy in the Mediterranean 2025. 28 This paper analyzes plastic governance in the Mediterranean, a region critically impacted by transboundary plastic pollution. We frame it as an “inverse commons” – shared harm from unchecked waste accumulation. Other than commons theory, we apply polycentric, and adaptive governance, alongside circular economy principles. The research comparatively analyzes five Mediterranean circular economy initiatives. Findings reveal a reframing of plastic as a shared responsibility and the presence of polycentric governance architectures. However, there’s partial application of commons design principles (e.g., weak monitoring) and adaptive practices often dependent on temporary projects. The study concludes that territorial circular economy transitions require integrating commons thinking with adaptive and polycentric governance. Recommendations include strengthening multi-level coordination, integrating local innovations into policy, and funding regional learning networks to foster a resilient circular governance model. Adaptive Governance Circular Economy Commons Theory Plastic Waste Polycentricity Innovations | hors-série | HS1 | 2025-10-10 | p. 72-72 | 1267-4982 https://shs.cairn.info/journal-innovations-2025-HS1-page-72?lang=en&redirect-ssocas=7080 1739055 1739055