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Waste Management Firms as Catalysts for Developing SME’s Circular Business Models: the Possibilities of Industrial Symbiosis

Author

Listed:
  • Han van Kleef

    (Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Business Research Center (BRC) of Hogeschool Inholland, Haarlem UAS, Netherlands)

  • Donald Ropes

    (Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Business Research Center (BRC) of Hogeschool Inholland, Haarlem UAS, Netherlands)

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore possibilities for waste management firms (WMFs) to act as lead firms in industrial symbiosis (IS) processes with small and medium enterprise (SME) clients in order to promote circular business models. We were curious to see how willing, and able four local WMFs were regarding the adoption of a firm lead role and under what conditions. We used a case study design because of the lack of research on the topic and the explorative nature of the research itself. First, we interviewed nine representatives from four WMFs using a semi-structured interview protocol. We then presented our results to the representatives as a basis for further discussion. We found that WMFs are open to adopting the various roles associated with a lead firm position in industrial symbiosis but need various kinds of support in order to so, for example, in coordinating the IS – network and for financing the activities. Our research is original in the sense that we look at the concept of IS from the specific context of a WMF-SME symbiotic relationship. We also contribute to both the IS literature as well as that of new business model development. Management implications include understanding why firms are willing to explore new business models with their client partners.

Suggested Citation

  • Han van Kleef & Donald Ropes, 2021. "Waste Management Firms as Catalysts for Developing SME’s Circular Business Models: the Possibilities of Industrial Symbiosis," International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 7(1), pages 16-27, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:mgs:ijoied:v:7:y:2021:i:1:p:16-27
    DOI: 10.18775/ijied.1849-7551-7020.2015.71.2002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li Sun & Wouter Spekkink & Eefje Cuppen & Gijsbert Korevaar, 2017. "Coordination of Industrial Symbiosis through Anchoring," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-21, April.
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    3. Florian Lüdeke‐Freund & Stefan Gold & Nancy M. P. Bocken, 2019. "A Review and Typology of Circular Economy Business Model Patterns," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 23(1), pages 36-61, February.
    4. Mihaela Ghenta & Aniela Matei, 2018. "SMEs and the Circular Economy: From Policy to Difficulties Encountered During Implementation," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 20(48), pages 294-294.
    5. Raymond L. Paquin & Jennifer Howard‐Grenville, 2012. "The Evolution of Facilitated Industrial Symbiosis," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 16(1), pages 83-93, February.
    6. repec:aud:audfin:v:20:y:2018:i:48:p:294 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Ben Arfi, Wissal & Hikkerova, Lubica & Sahut, Jean-Michel, 2018. "External knowledge sources, green innovation and performance," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 210-220.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Circular business models; Waste management firms; SMEs; Industrial symbiosis.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M00 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - General - - - General

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