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The urgent need to act against climate change is emphasized in many initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the European Green Deal, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. The role of the industrial sector is crucial. Companies, however, have to operate in a very complex environment driven by digitization and are supposed to be more sustainable. This paper explores how companies can implement the ecological transformation, with a focus on the role of digital technologies and data in enabling the twin transition. This paper proposes an approach to support SMEs in the twin transition through a combination of digital and sustainable business model development. The concept includes an interdisciplinary methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, focusing on the latter. The suggested method collection includes adaptations of the business model canvas, value proposition analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of environmental and economic considerations using the system of environmental-economic accounting. In particular, approaches to define the quantification of economic as well as ecological value will be key levers for sustainable implementation. By leveraging these approaches, SMEs can navigate the challenges of digital transformation and sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) adoption is spreading worldwide, and it aims at decoupling the creation of value from resource consumption, leading to sustainable and responsible production and consumption as highlighted in the Sustainable Development Goal 12. The circular transition will ask for the transformation of the companies and the workforce, from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The set of required skills will be influenced by the circular transition, while the degree of implementation of circular activities will depend on the availability of adequate skills. Nevertheless, the extant literature has not reached a consensus on which competences are required for a circular transition, and few studies have approached this topic at all. This paper presents a systematic literature review to identify and categorize the skills that can facilitate the adoption of circular practices in manufacturing companies. The identified skills were systematically organized within a structured framework extending Porter's Value Chain. Leveraging the literature review's findings, the paper proposes a series of ideal job profiles for circular manufacturing, and it outlines some preliminary education and training paths. This research contributes to the current body of literature and practical understanding on the "human dimension" of circular manufacturing. [Display omitted] • Systematic literature review on skills required for circular manufacturing. • Skill classification based on circular manufacturing value-added activities. • Ideal job profiles modelled on the most relevant skills mentioned in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore the institutional logic of manufacturing companies in the transition to a sustainable and circular economy. The paper follows abductive reasoning and uses a qualitative methodology encompassing primary data collected from 16 interviews with manufacturing companies and supplementary data from web-scan analysis, observation and 15 interviews with public institutions and environmental experts. We identify four specific co-existing logics of the circular economy of manufacturing companies and explain operating conditions of each logic. Compliance and commercial logics reflect instrumental thinking, while value chain and value creation logics are more based on integrative thinking. To illustrate opposites of instrumental thinking and integrative thinking, we propose an analytical framework of circular logics, that consists of three pillars, that is homogeneity vs heterogeneity, techno-centric vs system-centric perspectives, compliance vs ethical responsibility. The originality also relates to the prioritization among different logics. • Four CE logics of manufacturing companies discovered. • Compliance and commercial logics reflect instrumental thinking, value chain and value creation logics are more based on integrative thinking. • We propose an analytical framework of CE logics that consists of three pillars. • Based on attributions of negative and positive factors, managers actually can prioritize integrative CE logics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dominant conception of the circular economy presents it as a politically neutral, technology-driven process of efficiency improvements and green market expansion. However, it does not consider the social embedding of circularity and thereby risks undermining the transition out of de facto linear economies. This paper begins with a critique of the dominant conception of the circular economy and its shortcomings in relation to allocation, justice, and sustainable scale. Second, the paper contributes toward theorizing an alternative, social economy-based embedding of circularity. We theorize how the social economy embeds circularity through: (1) business models reflecting the needs and interests of their stakeholders and, with them, a primacy of social value creation; (2) production and consumption based on active citizen involvement in deliberation and decision-making; (3) an approach to technology that seeks to empower technology users; and (4) the promotion of regional economies and circular value chains based on a sense of place. Our theory propositions are inspired by prior empirical research at the intersection of the circular economy and the social economy. We discuss the potential and the challenges of a social economy embedding of circularity against the background of vested interests and incumbents profiting from low circularity and unsustainability. • A critique of circular economy in relation to allocation, justice and scale. • A novel theoretical approach to social economy-based embedding of circularity. • Theory propositions about business, governance, technology and environment. • Reasons for stasis and for transformation toward socially embedded circularity. • Examples of social economy-embedded circularity from cooperatives and nonprofits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability challenges expressed by The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transformation towards a more Circular Economy (CE) imply the needs for broad collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship. CE is perceived by business suitable for contributing directly to achieving several of the SDGs. In entrepreneurship education (EE) a new educational approach is emerging towards problem-based learning (PBL) solving open-ended real-life issues. In this paper, a connection between sustainability, CE, and EE has been strengthened. We briefly explore an increased attention to sustainability and how CE overtime has been introduced in an educational setting where entrepreneurial learning and sustainable value creation can take place. The scope for investigation is a project with two courses at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences with partially common educational activities. Increased educational attention to sustainability arose in 2017-2018, during spring semester of 2019 a CE-test was conducted and fall 2019 CE were implemented and continued in 2020-2021. Engaging CE shows positive outcome, and the main findings are: (1) CE offer a common language and platform for real-life sustainability cases in EE; (2) CE- and sustainability-cases are demanding and call for simplification; and (3) Open-ended CE-cases imply need for external collaboration, and thus more structure. In summary the CE project suggests promising possibilities for experiential learning, sustainable value creation, and an opportunity for increased external orientation. A deeper understanding of CE is achieved. There is a need for further empirical examination [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper builds on the following research questions: 1) How is circular economy imagined in the academic literature in support of sustainability transitions in European cities? 2) How do European cities imagine circular economy as a knowable object of governance? 3) How can the circular economy imaginary be an opportunity for socially inclusive and environmentally desirable urban transitions? We engaged in a three-fold research endeavour to address these questions. Firstly, we conducted an in-depth literature review, mapping the emergence and developments of the circular economy concept in time and space with a specific focus on urban studies. Secondly, we analysed documented translations of the circular economy imaginary in three European metropolitan cities (Amsterdam, Paris and London) to explore the discourses, institutions, representations and social identities underpinning their respective translations, and reflect on how they diverge from each other and how they have the potential to deliver sustainable outcomes. Thirdly, these results were used to outline a research agenda that explores the relationship between the political and the epistemic domain of existing urban translations of circular economy across scales and places, to support future empirical investigations of whether and how circular economy imaginaries can support transformative pathways for socially inclusive and environmentally desirable value creation in cities. In so doing, this paper fosters reflexivity for both theory and practice in order to better understand how theorisations and the application of circular economy could be advanced in support of urban sustainability transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the concept of decoupling, from institutional theory in organizational studies, this paper explains how organizations mitigate demands for circularity. Seven Swedish apparel companies that have started collecting used clothes as a form of engagement with circular business models serve as case studies. The paper shows how outsourcing and internal separation allow these companies to buffer their business model and core way of creating value from emerging demands. It also shows how companies pro-actively work at influencing institutional demands for circularity by making these demands compatible with their own interests. The concept of decoupling thereby provides key insights into the development and implementation, or absence thereof, of circular business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes a look at the impact of eco-control systems on the circular economy (CE) practices and economic and environmental performances of firms, taking in account the moderating role that environmental uncertainty can play in this regard. Based on data from a sample of 205 French manufacturing firms, and using hierarchical regressions analysis, the study reveals that eco-control systems improve CE practices as along with both ecological and economic performances. As such, this study provides novel insights challenging thus extant literature which argued that the influence of ecological control systems on economic performance may not be direct and may come about through specific organizational actions or initiatives. Research also reveals that the impact of eco-control systems as mediated by CE practices differs depending on the nature of the company's performance. More precisely, eco-control systems improve environmental performance through CE practices while no indirect effect was found with regard to economic performance. In doing so, this study provides novel insights to existing works by highlighting the positive role that CE plays in value creation of businesses. Moreover, environmental uncertainty was found to be a main contextual factor that positively moderates connection between ecological control systems and economic performance. As such, this study provides novel insights and broadens the literature in this area. This work generally offers an innovative view of the role that ecological control systems play in managing firms' CE practices to achieve better performance under environmental uncertainty conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interconnectedness of value chains, the different motivations of actors, and the complexity of urban ecosystems (UE) have given rise to calls for more comprehensive approaches to diagnosis urban sustainability. In this regard, the circular bioeconomy (CBE) is attractive for, in theory, it ensures regenerative capacity and offers the possibility of improving the resilience of ecosystem services. However, there is a risk that the delineation of the narrative will be limited to issues narrowly defined by key actors, without considering value creation beyond financial. This paper explores how the alignment of CBE principles can support the services provided by UE, considering their socio-ecological needs. To this end, we propose an adaptive theoretical framework supported by a qualitative and comparative analysis of the current scientific literature. The main contributions of the paper are: (i) propose an original structure using the nature-based solutions (NbS) concept as background and (ii) provide a new typology built from the biophysical boundaries, drivers, barriers, strategies, and indicators identified. The framework presents itself as an instrument capable of guiding further research in the thematic area, facilitating the identification of trade-offs, benefits, and co-benefits, and represents a step forward in the search toward generalisation, reducing uncertainties and utopian notions that mould the CBE. [Display omitted] • Circular bioeconomy and urban ecosystem agendas need to be aligned. • New typology is presented to identify and group the main principles. • Holistic view of circular bioeconomy is essential to stimulate critical thinking. • This framework could help develop practices as it reduces uncertainties and expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to develop a product where the concepts related to the Circular Economy has been applied in its development process. The application of the circular economy concept for a product project, in addition to the model-free application, aims to boost the optimization of goods flows, maximizing natural resources and minimizing waste production, while maintaining constant value creation, which moves the product from one chain to another, providing savings to the public sector through the management of this waste, as well as limiting the environmental impact and promoting social actions, from a financial point of view. Planning a product with the present Circular Economy principles has increased creativity and innovation to build new methods that can be applied since the planning stage until the final product comes into the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing circular business models requires a combination of systems-level and company-level approaches, highlighting the importance of collaboration. While digital technologies can enable such business models, studies that shed light on the creation of multiple types of value in collaborative and digital technology-driven environments, are currently limited. This paper, therefore, aims to explore the process of designing digitally-enabled collaborative business models, using the UK plastics sector as a context that has seen a rise in new digital technology applications to plastics mandated by new regulations. To this end, we have worked with fifteen plastics sector organisations as part of an empirical qualitative study aiming to develop collaborative business models for a future plastics circular economy system in the UK. Together with the stakeholders, we have co-designed the value-retention and data-as-a-service business models that could be enabled by digital technologies such as tags. We show that the main stakeholder tensions relate to digital technology investments, access to recyclate and data, and digital asset management. We argue that such tensions might be the key cause of delaying experimentation with circular business models and enacting collaborations at the systems level. We suggest that future research could draw on quantitative data, such as investment costs to test these circular business models, in order to inform the discourse on infrastructural investments for sustainability. • Digital technologies enable new collaborative business models for plastics. • Value retention and data-as-a-service models are co-designed with stakeholders. • Collaborative tensions can hinder circular business model experimentation. • Technology investments, asset management, and feedstock access are sources of tensions. • A self-sustaining or subsidised system might incentivise collaborative action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasingly efficient use of scarce resources is a central theme in the gradual transition towards a circular economy. Hazardous materials represent a category of resources that is often difficult—and potentially risky—to transport, store, or neutralize. As a result, hazardous materials are rarely included in closed material loops. The present paper analyzes HorsePower, a business concept centered around an innovative way of utilizing horse manure. Horse manure is generated in millions of tons in horse-rich countries such as the UK, Germany, and France. It is a hazardous resource, as it may spread diseases, and cannot be disposed of or landfilled economically. The content analysis of 21 semi-structured interviews carried out with different business actors participating in the HorsePower business network reveals that the success of HorsePower stems from its ability to combine the complementary capabilities and material needs of a relatively complex network of business actors including stables, sawmills, logistical service providers, and heat and power plants. Each actor receives added value; the benefits from participation are greater than the sacrifices of participation. Furthermore, the findings show that certain types of hazardous resources, when combined with resources produced by another actor, may be burned efficiently and safely in specific power plants, reducing the need for other types of fuel. The observations imply that novel approaches for effectively sharing ideas and resource needs across organizational boundaries are needed to facilitate the development of additional innovative CE business concepts, leveraging both actor-specific capabilities and intra-actor resource dependencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In times of climate change, biodiversity loss, or growing natural resource scarcity, the circular business model (CBM) concept is increasingly attractive, promoting the reorganization of current value creation architectures and supply chains toward a sustainable system of production and consumption. Driven by a vision of continued economic expansion and growth on a planet with finite natural resources, CBMs are endorsed by political institutions, multinational corporations, business consultancies, and academia. Some argue that CBM configurations contribute to a more holistic and radical change in the existing business logics than approaches that achieve incremental resource efficiency improvements. However, how "holistic" and "radical" are CBMs theoretically constituted in academia if we consider the deep structural and paradigmatic shifts in societies necessary to deal with the challenges associated with the Anthropocene? Prior studies do not examine the inherent normative settings and the operational change approaches beneath CBM concepts. To reconstruct the theoretical foundations of CBMs critically, the recent CBM body of academic literature is systematically reviewed according to (1) the legitimacy of CBMs (why should it be done) (2) the modes of value creation and offerings (what should be done), and (3) the core principles of CBM integration into daily business (how should it be done). From this synthesis, the predominant notion of sustainability behind the CBM concept can be revealed. This study argues contemporary scientifically constructed CBMs need to be reconsidered if they are intended to contribute to a profound economic transition toward sustainability. Hence, the paper shows how principles from more "holistic", "radical", and pluralistic economic approaches can widen CBMs and how future research can help to diversify the concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product-service systems (PSS) have received attention as having the potential to meet customers' needs by combining products and services, decrease environmental impacts and provide business opportunities for industry. PSS have the potential to facilitate sustainable production and consumption and support a transition towards a circular economy (CE). The environmental sustainability is often highlighted as a driver for and a result of PSS. However, the social dimension and the shared value created by PSS have not yet achieved the same attention. In this paper, a framework for sustainable value propositions in PSS is developed with the aim to map and understand the potential sustainable value proposition based on the three core elements of PSS: product, service and system and by investigating the economic, environmental and social value proposition and the type of interaction required for each dimension. The framework thus provides insight into the enlargement of value, when focus shifts from product to service to system. The proposed framework is exemplified by a case study of school furniture and learning environments in Denmark, where the experiences highlight that an understanding of value proposition in a system perspective provides a broader recognition of value for multiple stakeholders. In a product perspective for school furniture, the sustainable value proposition entails price and investment; comfort and design; and narrowing resource loops. In a service perspective, the sustainable value proposition entails a focus on reducing total cost of ownership; service employment; and slowing resource loops. Lastly, a system perspective entails a sustainable value proposition of solutions to societal problems through innovative design and economic savings via rental agreements; better work environment and improved learning outcome; and closing resource loops. The type of interaction changes from transactional to partnerships when moving from a product to a system focus. • Sustainable value proposition in PSS is much broader than just product and service. • Sustainable system solutions entail a broader scope of stakeholders and relations. • More attention to the social dimension of the value proposition is needed. • Rethinking value proposition from table/chair to learning environment; a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While small and medium enterprises are already aware of the increasing benefits of resource efficiency, reducing waste, and closing material loops, the adoption of circular economy principles in small and medium enterprises is still nascent. Despite a large body of academic literature providing numerous definitions and business models to elucidate circular economy, these approaches lack systemic research from a small and medium enterprise's perspective and are often vague and overwhelming. Furthermore, small and medium enterprises lack financial and organizational resources to implement a (systemic) change to their already optimized business models. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by presenting a conceptual approach that not only serves as a decision-making tool and a possible starting point towards circular value creation, but also provides an initial estimation on how well forms of circularity can be achieved within the adapted business models. The developed methodology was applied to a complex product within the plastics sector. Starting with the product-disassembly-workshop, an in-depth analysis to identify various circular concepts was then conducted, using design thinking tools. The results are presented and summarized in the form of a decision tree analysis. Using a contradiction matrix and environment mapping tool, it was then attempted to narrow down the circular solution spectrum to a manageable level. To conclude, a cross impact balance analysis was applied to validate the identified business model scenarios. The presented methodology aims to show small and medium enterprises how to generate business model innovations systematically, narrow down the solution space in a structured manner, and how to evaluate the resultant solution options against each other and weigh their trade-offs. The tools and techniques used were chosen in such a way that they can be applied with as few resources and complexity as possible, and therefore can serve as a guidance for small and medium enterprises in their transition towards circular value creation. [Display omitted] • A conceptual approach to screen and adopt circular business models in SMEs. • Support tool to identify opportunities in adapting business for an SME to a CE. • Practical approach using existing business tools towards circular value creation. • How to generate BMI systematically from an SMEs perspective for a CE. • An everyday complex product as a practical insight into circular value creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important promise of the circular economy (CE) is the creation of social value alongside increased resource circularity. Yet, while synergies between social value and resource circularity are possible, the trade-offs between social value and resource circularity, and strategies for transforming trade-offs into synergies, are under-investigated. In this paper, we look at trade-offs, synergies and strategies through the lens of stakeholder theory, and we adopt a mixed methods approach to reveal the trade-offs, synergies and strategies related to the CE in the Netherlands. We report the results of (1) a three-stage policy Delphi study involving a panel of 47 circularity experts from different sectors (academia, business, government, civil society), and (2) interviews with 27 strategic leaders in circular organizations. The findings show that in the Netherlands, circular organizations create synergies at the organizational and value network level but face significant trade-offs between circularity and social value at the societal level. Synergies are fostered by an ethically motivated communal sharing strategy and impeded by economic motivations. These findings advance current debates in stakeholder theory and unearth conditions that enable and hinder the CE to live up to its social promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy has recently emerged as an alternative industrial paradigm to the traditional "take, make, dispose" economic model, with the aim to promote more sustainable resource consumption patterns and production processes. However, more empirical research is needed to address the topic of how circular economy is adopted in practice by companies. In this study, we mainly adopt the lenses of circular business models and analyze three European case studies operating in the manufacturing industry that embraced circular economy principles in their business. In particular, the paper investigates and presents peculiar managerial practices to create and capture value in circular business models, and highlights the need to conceive a systemic perspective on the implementation of these practices, especially for companies operating in the manufacturing industry. Moreover, the paper shows to managers willing to embrace circular economy principles how the implementation of managerial practices for circularity can support the design of the manufacturing companies' business model within which they operate. Finally, the paper argues about the role of a peculiar external condition, i.e., the environmental regulation, in influencing the way companies implement the managerial practices for circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper shows how a firm pursues innovation activities for economic, social and environmental value creation in the context of time sensitivity. We make a conceptual link between lean startup thinking, triple bottom line value creation, and organizational capabilities. The case study firm uses a novel experimentation approach to pursue the goal of diverting all of its sold clothing from landfill through a two-year project. This requires substantial changes to the current business practice because in 2012, the clothing retailer recovered 1% of all garments sold. The fibre input value for all garments sold in 2012 exceeded $7m. We found that despite a stated need for fast learning through project experiments, the experiments were not executed quickly. (1) The desire to plan project activities and the lack of lean startup approach expertise across the whole project team hampered fast action. This led to the extension of the project timeline. However, project team confidence about learning by doing increased through privately executed experiments. (2) Some project experiments were not fit to meet the triple bottom value creation project goal and were dropped from the project. Overall, the corporate mindset of economic value creation still dominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper investigates the challenges and opportunities of how firms and organizations can and will be able to strike a better balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship in the context of China’s emerging ‘circular economy’ policy paradigm and based on ecological modernization theoretic approaches. Based on three company case studies in the information technology and electronic industries in China, we identify and demonstrate how a blended business and environmental value can be created from adopting a sustainable supply chain management approach. The adoption of a sustainable supply chain management approach is rapidly becoming a key business challenge and opportunity in China and other large emerging economies around the world, where our greatest environmental management challenges currently reside and will continue to exist for many years to come. The value creation framework proposed in research focuses on evaluating three case study companies who appear in various stages of an electronic industry supply chain. Value creation within a supply chain can provide the impetus for organizations to adopt circular economy, sustainable supply chain practices, for competitive reasons. In addition, we describe how a value proposition can be evaluated at two levels of analysis, a more specific micro-level and a more general meso-level of analysis. The four major business value dimensions include cost reduction, revenue generation, resiliency, and legitimacy and image. The initial findings are that a variety of opportunities exist for electronic firms in emerging and developing countries, while results from this study provide an important scholarly foundation to develop and refine sustainable supply chain management practices in emerging and developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy operates as an umbrella concept for attempts to find sustainable alternatives to linear 'take-make-dispose' production and consumption systems. Making a circular economy transformation has sparked interest in business models as means to decouple value creation and the use of virgin raw materials. However, so far, little attention has been given to the differentiating capacities of business models to enhance circularity. Using Finnish biogas production as a case study, this paper shows how business models operating within a single economic domain and within uniform institutional conditions differ in terms of how they organise material circuits. Four business models are differentiated based on what wastes and side-flows they enable to be recovered, and how. Because the business models co-evolve, their potentials are analysed in relation to the business model ecosystem. An emerging business model competes with the dominating model. The newcomer would help to generate more closed material loops, but the existing institutional landscape fails to provide support for its emerging modes of value creation and value capture. Two other business models qualify as niche solutions coexisting with the other models. Knowing the business model ecosystem opens up prospects for policy revisions that can foster a more circular economy. • Advancing the circular economy sets a focus on circular business models. • Knowledge is needed about the ways business models serve material organisation. • Biogas production in Finland is used as a case study. • Four business models forming a business model ecosystem are identified. • The business models differ in the ways they help to close material loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular economy offers a way for businesses to conceptualize sustainable economic activity with a concern for environmental and societal well-being. Putting this concept into practice is a complex undertaking, given the current production and consumption systems, and necessitates strategies that enable competition and cooperation between various actors to generate and scale up the best ideas. Simultaneous competition and cooperation, or coopetition, is studied in strategy literature within the context of managing the complexity of business networks. Coopetition could offer valuable perspectives for firms transitioning to circular models. The purpose of this paper is to show how coopetition could be operationalized and optimized using tokens in a blockchain to support a transition to circular models of value creation and appropriation. The findings of our study indicate that tokens could enable previously disconnected product ecosystems to converge and unleash the waves of creativity and innovation required for circular business models. However, facilitating such convergence would require the coopetition models to transition from comprising the current stages of value creation and appropriation to being based on value creation and circulation. Image 1 • Coopetition is an effective strategy for generating ideas and scaling up innovation in circular economy ecosystems. • Building circular economy ecosystems is complex and product biographies is a viable way of conceptualizing such ecosystems. • Tokens on blockchains could offer incentives to cooperate and compete for creating circular economy ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]