Megatrends in Circular Economy: Avenues for Relevant Advancements in Organizations

Abstract

The aim of this study is to systematize the main findings of 38 previous systematic literature reviews (SLRs) in circular economy. From this previous mapping, we outline main themes and limitations in the SLRs analysed, then we synthesize the findings of previous SLR to identify mega-trends in CE reserach. Finally, we propose avenues for future circular economy research. Our analysis indicates three main types of limitations of SLR in CE: The first are shortcomings in the SLR methods, the second is the low maturity of CE research and the third the limited dissemination of CE practices. These limitations coalesce to constrain the empirical and theoretical relevance of knowledge accumulated. A main contribution of our meta-analysis is to identify a paucity of accumulated knowledge in critical areas needed for theory building, such as conceptual clarity, limited identification of antecedents, mediators and moderators and opaque understanding of boundary conditions. We conclude that more rigorous empirical research is needed to further build knowledge and generate CE-specific theory. Finally, 7 main areas for further research are proposed, indicating potential theoretical lenses when appropriate.

A Critical Appraisal of Review Studies in Circular Economy: a Tertiary Study

“…Finally, the macrolevel is focused on introducing CE principles nationally [43]. In this sense, governments establish certain standards, priority areas, funding to support the transition to a CE [44], aimed at creating environmental quality, economic prosperity, and social equity [24]. Different stakeholders, business, government, and the civil society still need to better and more effectively coordinate their actions and work together in order to accelerate the necessary changes to CE [27].…”

“…It can increase the capacity to adapt to crises and changes, making the economy more sustainable and competitive, minimizing dependence on external suppliers, and reducing the need for and impact of industrial transport [32]. CE models have been considered as economically attractive to increase energy efficiency, use renewable energies, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the climate change agenda [24]. It positively affects economic growth, reducing the negative impact on the environment, renewing the job market through innovation, and helping improve the image and recognition linked to their core values and missions [45].…”

“…Despite the relevance of these themes and the high number of citations they have, other important topics in the CE field have been less investigated in these reviews, such as performance assessment and corporate responsibility. In fact, the need for performance indicators in CE is also a gap that requires deeper scientific investigation [24]. Companies have developed strategies and business models needed to make relevant contributions to overcome societal and world challenges.…”

“…Reference Period cover # of primary studies [1] [109] 2003-2019 [2] [65] 2001-2020 [3] [110] 2009-2019 [4] [111] 2009-2018 [5] [112] 2011-2019 [6] [113] 2013-2017 [7] [71] -- [8] [51] - [9] [114] 2011-2018 [10] [115] 2013-2019 [11] [116] 2015-2019 [12] [117] 2001-2019 - [13] [118] 1995-2017 [14] [119] - [15] [120] 2013-2017 - [16] [121] 2013-2017 [17] [122] 2000-2016 [18] [123] 2000-2018 [19] [124] 1992-2017 [20] [125] 2000-2015 [21] [126] 1987-2015 [22] [127] 1995-2014 [23] [128] 1997-2013 [24] [129] 1984-2012 [25] [130] 1990-2011 [26] [131] 1997-2012 [27] [132] 2000-2010 [28] [133] 1994-2009 [29] [134] 2011-2015 - [30] [135] 2006-2016 [31] [136] 1985-2015 [32] [137] 2004-2018 [33] [138] 2005-2018 [34] [139] 2015-2019 [35] [26] 2009-2018 [36] [85] 1999-2019…”

“…One previous tertiary study on a similar context was the one carried out by Martins and Pato [17], who analyzed literature reviews on supply chain sustainability, their methodological features, and objectives. Another study carried out by Sehnem et al [24] reviewed 38 SLRs in CE, mapping the main themes and limitations in the secondary studies analyzed, and identifying mega-trends in the CE field. The authors identified some shortcomings in the analyzed methods, the low maturity of CE research, and the limited dissemination of CE practices.…”