IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/bstrat/v30y2021i8p3686-3702.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Innovation and the circular economy: A systematic literature review

Author

Listed:
  • Nathalia Suchek
  • Cristina I. Fernandes
  • Sascha Kraus
  • Matthias Filser
  • Helena Sjögrén

Abstract

The circular economy emerged as an alternative model to the linear system, which now appears to be reaching its physical limitations. To transition to a circular economy, companies must not only be aware of but also engage in more sustainable practices. For such a transition, companies must rethink and innovate their business models and the ways they propose value to their clients while simultaneously considering environmental and social facets. This systematic literature review sought to map out from the company perspective the key topics interrelated with innovation and the circular economy, describing the internal and external factors to consider in such transition processes. Key lines of research were identified, and suggestions for future research and for facilitating movement toward a circular economy are provided. This work contributes to deepening the literature by identifying the priority areas concerning the circular economy and encouraging future research that meets international standards of excellence.

Suggested Citation

  • Nathalia Suchek & Cristina I. Fernandes & Sascha Kraus & Matthias Filser & Helena Sjögrén, 2021. "Innovation and the circular economy: A systematic literature review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 3686-3702, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:30:y:2021:i:8:p:3686-3702
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.2834
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2834
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/bse.2834?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jana Hojnik & Mitja Ruzzier & Tatiana Manolova, 2017. "Eco-Innovation and Firm Efficiency: Empirical Evidence from Slovenia," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 11(3), pages 103-111.
    2. Paul, Justin & Criado, Alex Rialp, 2020. "The art of writing literature review: What do we know and what do we need to know?," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(4).
    3. John A. Mathews, 2020. "Schumpeterian economic dynamics of greening: propagation of green eco-platforms," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 30(4), pages 929-948, September.
    4. John A. Mathews, 2020. "Schumpeterian economic dynamics of greening: propagation of green eco-platforms," Economic Complexity and Evolution, in: Andreas Pyka & Keun Lee (ed.), Innovation, Catch-up and Sustainable Development, pages 339-361, Springer.
    5. Antonella Zucchella & Pietro Previtali, 2019. "Circular business models for sustainable development: A “waste is food” restorative ecosystem," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(2), pages 274-285, February.
    6. 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.
    7. Marcos Ferasso & Tatiana Beliaeva & Sascha Kraus & Thomas Clauss & Domingo Ribeiro‐Soriano, 2020. "Circular economy business models: The state of research and avenues ahead," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(8), pages 3006-3024, December.
    8. Jose García‐Quevedo & Elisenda Jové‐Llopis & Ester Martínez‐Ros, 2020. "Barriers to the circular economy in European small and medium‐sized firms," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2450-2464, September.
    9. Kirchherr, Julian & Piscicelli, Laura & Bour, Ruben & Kostense-Smit, Erica & Muller, Jennifer & Huibrechtse-Truijens, Anne & Hekkert, Marko, 2018. "Barriers to the Circular Economy: Evidence From the European Union (EU)," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 264-272.
    10. Kirchherr, Julian & Urban, Frauke, 2018. "Technology transfer and cooperation for low carbon energy technology: Analysing 30 years of scholarship and proposing a research agenda," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 600-609.
    11. Florian Hofmann & Melanie Jaeger‐Erben, 2020. "Organizational transition management of circular business model innovations," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2770-2788, September.
    12. Owais Khan & Tiberio Daddi & Fabio Iraldo, 2020. "The role of dynamic capabilities in circular economy implementation and performance of companies," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(6), pages 3018-3033, November.
    13. Kristina Razminiene, 2019. "Circular economy in clusters' performance evaluation," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 14(3), pages 537-559, September.
    14. Sascha Kraus & Matthias Breier & Sonia Dasí-Rodríguez, 2020. "The art of crafting a systematic literature review in entrepreneurship research," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 16(3), pages 1023-1042, September.
    15. Pelin Demirel & Gamze Ozturk Danisman, 2019. "Eco‐innovation and firm growth in the circular economy: Evidence from European small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(8), pages 1608-1618, December.
    16. Hanna H. Salo & Johanna Suikkanen & Ari Nissinen, 2020. "Eco‐innovation motivations and ecodesign tool implementation in companies in the Nordic textile and information technology sectors," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2654-2667, September.
    17. Mateusz Lewandowski, 2016. "Designing the Business Models for Circular Economy—Towards the Conceptual Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-28, January.
    18. Pelin Demirel & Gamze Ozturk Danisman, 2019. "Eco-Innovation and Firm Growth in the Circular Economy: Evidence from European SMEs," SPRU Working Paper Series 2019-13, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.
    19. Sascha Kraus & Janina Burtscher & Thomas Niemand & Norat Roig-Tierno & Pasi Syrjä, 2017. "Configurational Paths to Social Performance in SMEs: The Interplay of Innovation, Sustainability, Resources and Achievement Motivation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-17, October.
    20. Thomas Bassetti & Silvia Blasi & Silvia Rita Sedita, 2021. "The management of sustainable development: A longitudinal analysis of the effects of environmental performance on economic performance," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 21-37, January.
    21. Owais Khan & Tiberio Daddi & Fabio Iraldo, 2020. "Microfoundations of dynamic capabilities: Insights from circular economy business cases," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(3), pages 1479-1493, March.
    22. Elisabeth Unterfrauner & Jing Shao & Margit Hofer & Claudia M. Fabian, 2019. "The environmental value and impact of the Maker movement—Insights from a cross‐case analysis of European maker initiatives," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(8), pages 1518-1533, December.
    23. Bauwens, Thomas & Hekkert, Marko & Kirchherr, Julian, 2020. "Circular futures: What Will They Look Like?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    24. Todeschini, Bruna Villa & Cortimiglia, Marcelo Nogueira & Callegaro-de-Menezes, Daniela & Ghezzi, Antonio, 2017. "Innovative and sustainable business models in the fashion industry: Entrepreneurial drivers, opportunities, and challenges," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 60(6), pages 759-770.
    25. Claudia Ghisetti & Sandro Montresor, 2020. "On the adoption of circular economy practices by small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs): does “financing-as-usual” still matter?," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 30(2), pages 559-586, April.
    26. Rafael Laurenti & Jagdeep Singh & Rajib Sinha & Josepha Potting & Björn Frostell, 2016. "Unintended Environmental Consequences of Improvement Actions: A Qualitative Analysis of Systems' Structure and Behavior," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(3), pages 381-399, May.
    27. Parida, Vinit & Burström, Thommie & Visnjic, Ivanka & Wincent, Joakim, 2019. "Orchestrating industrial ecosystem in circular economy: A two-stage transformation model for large manufacturing companies," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 715-725.
    28. Peter S. Hofman & Constantin Blome & Martin C. Schleper & Nachiappan Subramanian, 2020. "Supply chain collaboration and eco‐innovations: An institutional perspective from China," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2734-2754, September.
    29. Taryn Mead & Sally Jeanrenaud & John Bessant, 2020. "Factors influencing the application of nature as inspiration for sustainability‐oriented innovation in multinational corporations," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(8), pages 3162-3173, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Simone Sehnem & Adriane A. Farias S. L. de Queiroz & Susana Carla Farias Pereira & Gabriel dos Santos Correia & Edson Kuzma, 2022. "Circular economy and innovation: A look from the perspective of organizational capabilities," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 236-250, January.
    2. Nathalia Suchek & João J. Ferreira & Paula O. Fernandes, 2022. "A review of entrepreneurship and circular economy research: State of the art and future directions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2256-2283, July.
    3. Sonia Herrero-Luna & Marta Ferrer-Serrano & María Pilar Latorre-Martínez, 2022. "Circular Economy and Innovation: A Systematic Literature Review," Central European Business Review, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2022(1), pages 65-84.
    4. Garrido-Prada, Pablo & Lenihan, Helena & Doran, Justin & Rammer, Christian & Perez-Alaniz, Mauricio, 2021. "Driving the circular economy through public environmental and energy R&D: Evidence from SMEs in the European Union," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    5. Luca Marrucci & Fabio Iannone & Tiberio Daddi & Fabio Iraldo, 2022. "Antecedents of absorptive capacity in the development of circular economy business models of small and medium enterprises," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 532-544, January.
    6. Ingvild Reine Assmann & Francesco Rosati & Sandra Naomi Morioka, 2023. "Determinants of circular business model adoption—A systematic literature review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(8), pages 6008-6028, December.
    7. Marcos Ferasso & Tatiana Beliaeva & Sascha Kraus & Thomas Clauss & Domingo Ribeiro‐Soriano, 2020. "Circular economy business models: The state of research and avenues ahead," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(8), pages 3006-3024, December.
    8. Roberta De Angelis, 2022. "Circular economy business models as resilient complex adaptive systems," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2245-2255, July.
    9. Ahmad, Farhan & Bask, Anu & Laari, Sini & Robinson, Craig V., 2023. "Business management perspectives on the circular economy: Present state and future directions," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    10. Marie Briguglio & Leandro J. Llorente-González & Christopher Meilak & Ángeles Pereira & Jonathan Spiteri & Xavier Vence, 2021. "Born or Grown: Enablers and Barriers to Circular Business in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-20, December.
    11. Florian Hofmann & Dodo zu Knyphausen‐Aufseß, 2022. "Circular business model experimentation capabilities—A case study approach," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2469-2488, July.
    12. Corinna Vera Hedwig Schmidt & Bastian Kindermann & Cassian Felix Behlau & Tessa Christina Flatten, 2021. "Understanding the effect of market orientation on circular economy practices: The mediating role of closed‐loop orientation in German SMEs," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 4171-4187, December.
    13. Armaghan Chizaryfard & Paolo Trucco & Cali Nuur, 2021. "The transformation to a circular economy: framing an evolutionary view," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 31(2), pages 475-504, April.
    14. Elizaveta Averina & Johan Frishammar & Vinit Parida, 2022. "Assessing sustainability opportunities for circular business models," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(4), pages 1464-1487, May.
    15. Manavalan Ethirajan & Thanigai Arasu M & Jayakrishna Kandasamy & Vimal K.E.K & Simon Peter Nadeem & Anil Kumar, 2021. "Analysing the risks of adopting circular economy initiatives in manufacturing supply chains," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(1), pages 204-236, January.
    16. Johan Arekrans & Sofia Ritzén & Rafael Laurenti, 2023. "The role of radical innovation in circular strategy deployment," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(3), pages 1085-1105, March.
    17. Pina Puntillo, 2023. "Circular economy business models: Towards achieving sustainable development goals in the waste management sector—Empirical evidence and theoretical implications," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(2), pages 941-954, March.
    18. Durán-Romero, Gemma & López, Ana M. & Beliaeva, Tatiana & Ferasso, Marcos & Garonne, Christophe & Jones, Paul, 2020. "Bridging the gap between circular economy and climate change mitigation policies through eco-innovations and Quintuple Helix Model," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    19. Jose García‐Quevedo & Elisenda Jové‐Llopis & Ester Martínez‐Ros, 2020. "Barriers to the circular economy in European small and medium‐sized firms," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(6), pages 2450-2464, September.
    20. Ángela Triguero & María C. Cuerva & Francisco J. Sáez‐Martínez, 2022. "Closing the loop through eco‐innovation by European firms: Circular economy for sustainable development," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(5), pages 2337-2350, July.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:30:y:2021:i:8:p:3686-3702. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1099-0836 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.