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Application of digital technologies for sustainable product management in a circular economy: A review

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  • Magdalena Rusch
  • Josef‐Peter Schöggl
  • Rupert J. Baumgartner

Abstract

Digital technologies (DTs), such as the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence, or blockchain, are considered as enablers for a more sustainable and circular economy. So far, literature on these topics has mostly focused on specific DTs and subareas of sustainable product management (SPM). The aim of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive overview of current and potential examples of DT applications in SPM (e.g., product design/assessment, supply chain management, and business models). The collected examples (n = 146) were analyzed based on a systematic literature review, using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Deductive and inductive analyses of the examples revealed the potential of DTs in terms of their usability along the product life cycle, their role as enablers for circular economy strategies and in specific SPM activities. DT application often entails only incremental improvements, for example, increased efficiency of existing processes, with more radical forms of improvement remaining relatively scarce. There is clear room for greater adoption and optimization of DTs, in various areas of SPM, so as to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Rusch & Josef‐Peter Schöggl & Rupert J. Baumgartner, 2023. "Application of digital technologies for sustainable product management in a circular economy: A review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(3), pages 1159-1174, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:32:y:2023:i:3:p:1159-1174
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.3099
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    1. Xiaodan Gao & Jinbao Li, 2024. "China’s Digital Economy: A Dual Mission of Carbon-Emission Reduction and Efficiency Enhancement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Iordanis Eleftheriadis & Evgenia Anagnostopoulou, 2024. "Developing a Tool for Calculating the Carbon Footprint in SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-23, February.
    3. Magdalena Graczyk-Kucharska, 2023. "Sustainability in the Development of Green Organizations Based on the Example of Manufacturing Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-15, October.
    4. Sorin-Daniel GHEORGHE, 2023. "Internet of Things and Circular Economy: A State-of-the-Art Review," Informatica Economica, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 27(4), pages 44-60.

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