A research team from National Taiwan University has published a groundbreaking study in Resources, Conservation & Recycling, showcasing how AI can accelerate circular economy policies. By combining multimodal GPT technology with system dynamics modeling, the team analyzed Taiwan’s material flow data from 2013 to 2022, building a dynamic simulation to explore nine different policy scenarios. Their findings provide clear, data-driven insights to the guidance of national strategies towards Taiwan’s 2030 circularity goals.
Traditional models often struggle to process complex visual diagrams, text, and mathematical formulas simultaneously. This study presents an innovative AI workflow where GPT interprets system diagrams — including industrial activities, pollution emissions, material inputs, and resource circulations — and transforms them into executable simulation models. This enhances both the visualization and accuracy of policy scenario analysis.
The research developed a six-stage AI process (GPT1 to GPT6), covering tasks from image interpretation and coding, to visualization and scenario simulation. The team focused on modeling interactions among four key subsystems in Taiwan’s material flow network, enabling comprehensive evaluation of policy impacts.
Simulation results indicate that Taiwan’s national circular material use rate could increase from 22% in 2022 to 29% by 2030. Additionally, resource productivity may rise from NT$65 to NT$88 per kilogram. These projections provide a solid quantitative foundation for policymakers in crafting long-term strategies under frameworks such as the Resource Circulation Promotion Act and Extended Producer Responsibility programs.
Beyond Taiwan, this AI-assisted workflow offers a scalable and replicable method for governments to evaluate the effectiveness of circular economy policies in diverse industries and regions across the Asia-Pacific.
“We are excited to see GPT successfully transform mixed-format data into executable models, bringing higher transparency and precision to policy design in Taiwan and beyond,” says Dr. Hwong-wen Ma, professor of environmental engineering at National Taiwan University.
Prof. Hwong-wen Ma’s email address: hwma@ntu.edu.tw