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Circular Economy and Decision Models among European SMEs

Author

Listed:
  • Ana-Maria Zamfir

    (National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, 6-8 Povernei Street, 010643 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Cristina Mocanu

    (National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, 6-8 Povernei Street, 010643 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Adriana Grigorescu

    (National School for Political and Administrative Studies, 30A Expozitiei Bd., 012104 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

While targeting waste reduction and maintaining the value of products and resources in the system as much as possible, undertaking circular economy practices at the company level is a way of achieving entrepreneurial sustainability. This paper explores entrepreneurial decision models for adopting circular economy practices, focusing on European SMEs. Decision tree models are applied on data from Flash Eurobarometer 441 in order to uncover business strategies in relation to the implementation of circular economy practices at the company level and with the optimal level and nature of investments in the circular economy for improving economic performances of companies. The main findings of the article offer a better understanding of the relation between characteristics of European SMEs and their decisions in the field of circular economy. Such results are relevant from both macro and micro perspectives, as they can be used for customizing circular economy programs and intervention strategies for various groups of SMEs, as well as for supporting sustainable entrepreneurial decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana-Maria Zamfir & Cristina Mocanu & Adriana Grigorescu, 2017. "Circular Economy and Decision Models among European SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:9:p:1507-:d:109563
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    References listed on IDEAS

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