Paul Smith

Paul Smith serves as a Research Fellow and Subject Lead for Circular Economy at Robert Gordon University, actively contributing to the Master of Research Creative Economy program and Doctoral Studies in Design Innovation & Circular Economy. His role integrates research leadership with teaching in sustainable innovation systems.

He earned his PhD in Advanced Manufacturing from Lancaster University in 2011, establishing foundational expertise for his current work in circular economy transitions and sustainable design methodologies.

Smith's research centers on participatory design practice, circular economy frameworks, and sustainable healthcare innovation. He has forged strategic collaborations with the NHS, Scottish Government, Hewlett Packard, Barclays, and Zero Waste Scotland to develop co-design solutions for circular economy implementation. His work emphasizes practical applications in healthcare settings and systemic innovation.

Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), his current projects include:

• Summer Show 2024
• ReMantle
• Make Leapfrog
• Creating Cultures of Innovation

These initiatives advance circular economy principles through design-driven approaches across public and private sectors.