Circular Economy Business Models: a Repertoire of Theoretical Relationships and a Research Agenda

Abstract

The shift towards a more resource efficient circular economy has become a necessity in the wake of current ecological, economic and social sustainability challenges. Mirroring circular-related developments in policy and business quarters, the circular economy literature is growing as a distinct field of academic enquiry. Yet, the conceptual and theoretical foundations of circular economy thinking need consolidation. Drawing from strategic management, sustainability transitions and systems theories, this article establishes some theoretical anchoring for circular economy business models. It finds that circular business models contribute to an understanding of both competitive advantage and the systemic nature of business. It also develops a future agenda for management research at the interface between the circular economy and business models.

Readiness for Innovation of Emerging Grass-Based Businesses

“…The unclear values and perceptions of consumers, ambiguous market signals and an embryonic competitive structure pose further difficulties [22]. As such, it has been recognized that grand societal challenges such as the depletion of natural resources cannot be solved by means of technological solutions alone [23,24]. To address the sustainability of future agriculture in this context, a holistic approach that considers the multidisciplinary nature of innovation processes is a fundamental milestone.…”

Investigating the Serially Mediating Mechanisms of Organizational Ambidexterity and the Circular Economy in the Relationship between Ambidextrous Leadership and Sustainability Performance

“…Attached to RBV is the so-called natural-resource-based-view (NRBV) of the firm [38] and the knowledge-based view (KBV), which considers knowledge to be the most important strategic resource of the firm [39]. These theories are considered to be the most influential theories in sustainability literature, describing the connection between strategic management and sustainability performance [40,41].…”

Logística inversa en una empresa artesanal de snacks quiteña

“…En años posteriores la ecología industrial solamente, era considerada como una actividad ligada a la ingeniería, más que un modelo de negocio en sí misma. En la actualidad la economía circular se ha convertido en una respuesta, a la ocupación de la industria ecológica y al desarrollo de nuevos modelos de negocios sustentables (De Angelis, 2018). Existen variados modelos de economía circular los cuales se basan en sistemas de gestión que comprenden el manejo y el reciclaje de residuos generados desde los niveles productivos hasta la llegada al consumidor final (Melendez et al, 2021).…”