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The collaborative and contested interplay between business and civil society in circular economy transitions

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  • Chia‐Hao Ho
  • Steffen Böhm
  • David Monciardini

Abstract

We know from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature that civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in helping businesses transition towards more responsible and sustainable business models. Yet, in the circular economy (CE) field, such understanding is still scarce. This article develops a theoretical framework for understanding the dynamic interplay between business and civil society in CE transitions, understanding their mechanisms and strategies for cooperation and contestation. We develop the concept of ‘CE boundary work’ to understand how CSOs interact with firms to bring about CE innovation, outlining three ideal types: campaign based, resource efficiency based and circular design based. This contributes to our understanding of how CE transitions can be brought about effectively through cross‐sectoral interplays between civil society and business.

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  • Chia‐Hao Ho & Steffen Böhm & David Monciardini, 2022. "The collaborative and contested interplay between business and civil society in circular economy transitions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(6), pages 2714-2727, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:31:y:2022:i:6:p:2714-2727
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.3001
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    Cited by:

    1. Stuart Danvers & Jonathan Robertson & Ambika Zutshi, 2023. "Conceptualizing How Collaboration Advances Circularity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-23, March.
    2. Albérico Travassos Rosário & Paula Lopes & Filipe Sales Rosário, 2024. "Sustainability and the Circular Economy Business Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-24, July.
    3. González-Martinez, Paulina & García-Pérez-De-Lema, Domingo & Castillo-Vergara, Mauricio & Hansen, Peter Bent, 2023. "Determinants and performance of the quadruple helix model and the mediating role of civil society," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    4. David Monciardini & Laura Rocca & Monica Veneziani, 2024. "Virtuous circles: Transformative impact and challenges of the social and solidarity circular economy," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 642-660, February.

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