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A Systematic Literature Network Analysis of Existing Themes and Emerging Research Trends in Circular Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Fatima Khitous

    (School of Industrial Engineering, LIUC Università Cattaneo, 21053 Castellanza, Italy)

  • Fernanda Strozzi

    (School of Industrial Engineering, LIUC Università Cattaneo, 21053 Castellanza, Italy)

  • Andrea Urbinati

    (School of Industrial Engineering, LIUC Università Cattaneo, 21053 Castellanza, Italy)

  • Fernando Alberti

    (Institute for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness, LIUC Università Cattaneo, 21053 Castellanza, Italy)

Abstract

The debate about Circular Economy (CE) has been increasingly enriched by academics through a vast array of contributions, based on several theoretical perspectives and emanating from several research domains. However, current research still falls short of providing a holistic and broader view of CE, one that combines existing themes and emerging research trends. Accordingly, based on a Systematic Literature Network Analysis, this paper tackles this gap. First, a Citation Network Analysis is used to unearth the development of the CE literature based on papers’ references, whilst the Main Path is traced to detect the seminal papers in the field through time. Second, to consider the literature in its broader extent, a Keywords Co-Occurrence Network Analysis is conducted based on papers’ keywords, whereby all papers in the dataset, including the non-cited papers, are assessed. Additionally, a Global Citation Score analysis is conducted to uncover the recent breakthrough research, in addition to the Burst Analysis used to detect the dynamic development of CE literature over time. By doing so, the paper explores the development of the CE body of knowledge, reveals its dynamic evolution over time, detects its main theoretical perspectives and research domains, and highlights its emerging topics. Our findings unfold the evidence of eight main trends of research about CE, unearth the path through which the CE concept emerged and has been growing, and concludes with promising avenues for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatima Khitous & Fernanda Strozzi & Andrea Urbinati & Fernando Alberti, 2020. "A Systematic Literature Network Analysis of Existing Themes and Emerging Research Trends in Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1633-:d:323591
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    3. Thanh Tiep Le & Abhishek Behl & Gary Graham, 2023. "The Role of Entrepreneurship in Successfully Achieving Circular Supply Chain Management," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 24(4), pages 537-561, December.
    4. Simone Sehnem & Edson Kuzma & Dulcimar José Julkovsky & Matheus Bochi Frare & Diego Vazquez-Brust, 2021. "Megatrends in Circular Economy: Avenues for Relevant Advancements in Organizations," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
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    6. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & Suhaiza Zailani & Yasanur Kayikci & John G. Keogh, 2023. "Examining Knowledge Diffusion in the Circular Economy Domain: a Main Path Analysis," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    7. Jacqueline M. Cramer, 2020. "The Function of Transition Brokers in the Regional Governance of Implementing Circular Economy—A Comparative Case Study of Six Dutch Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-21, June.
    8. Eglantina Hysa & Alba Kruja & Naqeeb Ur Rehman & Rafael Laurenti, 2020. "Circular Economy Innovation and Environmental Sustainability Impact on Economic Growth: An Integrated Model for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-16, June.
    9. He Soung Ahn & EuiBeom Jeong & Hyejin Cho, 2020. "Toward an Understanding of Family Business Sustainability: A Network-Based Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-15, December.
    10. Jacqueline M. Cramer, 2020. "Implementing the circular economy in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area: The interplay between market actors mediated by transition brokers," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2857-2870, September.
    11. Shyaam Ramkumar, 2020. "Influence of Inter-Firm Network Relationships on Circular Economy Eco-Innovation Adoption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-22, September.
    12. Roberta Angelis, 2022. "Circular Economy Business Models: a Repertoire of Theoretical Relationships and a Research Agenda," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    13. Sohani Vihanga Withanage & Komal Habib, 2021. "Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis: Two Under-Utilized Tools for Informing E-Waste Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-21, July.
    14. Lucia Saraswati & Tuty Anggraini & Fauzan Azima, 2023. "A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends in Food Safety Research: The Case of Chili Sauce," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 10(9), pages 27-32, September.
    15. Rocsana Bucea-Manea-Țoniş & Aleksandar Šević & Milena P. Ilić & Radu Bucea-Manea-Țoniş & Nevenka Popović Šević & Larisa Mihoreanu, 2021. "Untapped Aspects of Innovation and Competition within a European Resilient Circular Economy. A Dual Comparative Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-16, July.
    16. Krzysztof Ejsmont & Bartlomiej Gladysz & Aldona Kluczek, 2020. "Impact of Industry 4.0 on Sustainability—Bibliometric Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-29, July.
    17. Domicián Máté & Ni Made Estiyanti & Adam Novotny, 2024. "How to support innovative small firms? Bibliometric analysis and visualization of start-up incubation," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-26, December.
    18. Miha Dominko & Kaja Primc & Renata Slabe-Erker & Barbara Kalar, 2023. "A bibliometric analysis of circular economy in the fields of business and economics: towards more action-oriented research," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(7), pages 5797-5830, July.

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