IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/inecol/v29y2025i4p1364-1381.html

Circular ecosystems: Past, present, and future research directions

Author

Listed:
  • Raphael Aryee
  • Wisdom Kanda
  • Martin Geissdoerfer
  • Julian Kirchherr

Abstract

Circular ecosystems have become a buzz concept in the circular economy, but differing meanings and theoretical foundations limit knowledge consolidation. To address this gap, we undertook a systematic literature review of the circular ecosystems literature published from 2004 to 2025. We analyzed the state‐of‐the‐art using content analysis and science mapping techniques based on articles from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Prominent research trends include: (i) conceptualization of circular ecosystems, (ii) circular ecosystems and sustainability, (iii) roles and agency of actors, (iv) alignment in circular ecosystems, (v) value co‐creation in ecosystems, (vi) governance of ecosystems, (vii) theoretical roots, and (viii) enablers of circular ecosystems. Furthermore, we present the etymology and evolution of circular ecosystems and present a comprehensive definition of the concept. Finally, we propose future research directions on circular ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Raphael Aryee & Wisdom Kanda & Martin Geissdoerfer & Julian Kirchherr, 2025. "Circular ecosystems: Past, present, and future research directions," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 29(4), pages 1364-1381, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:29:y:2025:i:4:p:1364-1381
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.70061
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.70061
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1111/jiec.70061?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. Anil Engez & Seppo Leminen & Leena Aarikka-Stenroos, 2021. "Urban Living Lab as a Circular Economy Ecosystem: Advancing Environmental Sustainability through Economic Value, Material, and Knowledge Flows," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Donthu, Naveen & Kumar, Satish & Mukherjee, Debmalya & Pandey, Nitesh & Lim, Weng Marc, 2021. "How to conduct a bibliometric analysis: An overview and guidelines," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 285-296.
    3. Raysa Geaquinto Rocha & Arminda do Paço & Helena Alves & Pedro Dinis Gaspar, 2023. "The Portuguese Circular Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Experts Advice on How to Overcome the Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-14, March.
    4. Neuzaí Marreiros Barbosa & Pedro Ibrahim Hellmeister & Adriana Marotti De Mello & Antonio Carlos Braz, 2024. "Managing circular ecosystems in imperfect contexts – the case of extractive fishing in the Brazilian Amazon region," RAUSP Management Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 59(2), pages 154-170, May.
    5. Virginie Litaudon & Yiran Chen, 2023. "Transforming existing local ecosystems to circular economy ecosystems for plastics: The case of the PlastiCity ecosystem," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(5), pages 1406-1419, October.
    6. Harchitwan Kaur Lamba & Nived S. Kumar & Sanjay Dhir, 2023. "Circular economy and sustainable development: a review and research agenda," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 73(2), pages 497-522, January.
    7. Simone Wurster & Philipp Heß & Michael Nauruschat & Malte Jütting, 2020. "Sustainable Circular Mobility: User-Integrated Innovation and Specifics of Electric Vehicle Owners," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-20, September.
    8. Jarmo Uusikartano & Hannele Väyrynen & Leena Aarikka-Stenroos, 2020. "Public Agency in Changing Industrial Circular Economy Ecosystems: Roles, Modes and Structures," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-27, November.
    9. Wisdom Kanda & Martin Geissdoerfer & Olof Hjelm, 2021. "From circular business models to circular business ecosystems," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(6), pages 2814-2829, September.
    10. Katriina Alhola & Sven‐ Olof Ryding & Hanna Salmenperä & Niels Juul Busch, 2019. "Exploiting the Potential of Public Procurement: Opportunities for Circular Economy," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 23(1), pages 96-109, February.
    11. Andreas Wieland, 2021. "Dancing the Supply Chain: Toward Transformative Supply Chain Management," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 57(1), pages 58-73, January.
    12. Fehrer, Julia A. & Wieland, Heiko, 2021. "A systemic logic for circular business models," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 609-620.
    13. Sofia Gomes, 2025. "Personality traits and circular business models: Fostering consumer engagement with circular economy," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(1), pages 1383-1398, January.
    14. Fiona Charnley & Fabienne Knecht & Helge Muenkel & Diana Pletosu & Victoria Rickard & Chiara Sambonet & Martina Schneider & Chunli Zhang, 2022. "Can Digital Technologies Increase Consumer Acceptance of Circular Business Models? The Case of Second Hand Fashion," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-21, April.
    15. Sara Moggi & Renata Paola Dameri, 2021. "Circular business model evolution: Stakeholder matters for a self‐sufficient ecosystem," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(6), pages 2830-2842, September.
    16. Sophia Barquete & Ana Hiromi Shimozono & Adriana Hofmann Trevisan & Camila Gonçalves Castro & Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos Gomes & Janaina Mascarenhas, 2022. "Exploring the Dynamic of a Circular Ecosystem: A Case Study about Drivers and Barriers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-22, June.
    17. 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.
    18. Leyla Gamidullaeva & Nadezhda Shmeleva & Tatyana Tolstykh & Alexey Shmatko, 2022. "An Assessment Approach to Circular Business Models within an Industrial Ecosystem for Sustainable Territorial Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-18, January.
    19. Gomes, Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos & Castillo-Ospina, Danika A. & Facin, Ana Lucia Figueiredo & Ferreira, Camila dos Santos & Ometto, Aldo Roberto, 2023. "Circular ecosystem innovation portfolio management," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    20. Arfaoui, Nabila & Le Bas, Christian & Vernier, Marie-France & Vo, Linh-Chi, 2022. "How do governance arrangements matter in the circular economy? Lessons from five methanation projects based on the social-ecological system framework," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    21. Nees Jan Eck & Ludo Waltman, 2010. "Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(2), pages 523-538, August.
    22. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    23. Gomes, Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos & Faria, Aline Mariane de & Braz, Antonio Carlos & Mello, Adriana Marotti de & Borini, Felipe Mendes & Ometto, Aldo Roberto, 2023. "Circular ecosystem management: Orchestrating ecosystem value proposition and configuration," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    24. Samuli Patala & Laura Albareda & Minna Halme, 2022. "Polycentric Governance of Privately Owned Resources in Circular Economy Systems," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(6), pages 1563-1596, September.
    25. Marcus Linder & Mats Williander, 2017. "Circular Business Model Innovation: Inherent Uncertainties," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 26(2), pages 182-196, February.
    26. Raphael Aryee & Ebenezer Adaku, 2024. "A review of current trends and future directions in reverse logistics research," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 36(2), pages 379-408, June.
    27. Ebel Berghuis & Derk Loorbach & Anne van Vulpen & Martijn Verkuijl & Claudia van Orden & Rachel Greer, 2023. "Coming together for transition? Entrepreneurial ecosystems for a circular economy," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(3), pages 372-388, May.
    28. Hellström, Daniel & Olsson, John, 2024. "Let's go thrift shopping: Exploring circular business model innovation in fashion retail," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    29. Wisdom Kanda & Magnus Klofsten & Dzamila Bienkowska & David B. Audretsch & Martin Geissdoerfer, 2025. "Orchestration in Mature Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Towards a Circular Economy: A Dynamic Capabilities Approach," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 4747-4765, May.
    30. Ari-Veikko Anttiroiko, 2023. "Smart Circular Cities: Governing the Relationality, Spatiality, and Digitality in the Promotion of Circular Economy in an Urban Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-41, August.
    31. Van Opstal, Wim & Smeets, Anse, 2023. "When do circular business models resolve barriers to residential solar PV adoption? Evidence from survey data in flanders," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    32. Zerbino, Pierluigi & Stefanini, Alessandro & Aloini, Davide & Dulmin, Riccardo & Mininno, Valeria, 2021. "Curling linearity into circularity: The benefits of formal scavenging in closed-loop settings," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    33. Brian Baldassarre & Giulia Calabretta, 2024. "Why Circular Business Models Fail And What To Do About It: A Preliminary Framework And Lessons Learned From A Case In The European Union (Eu)," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 4(1), pages 123-148, March.
    34. Reza Toorajipour & Koteshwar Chirumalla & Glenn Johansson & Erik Dahlquist & Fredrik Wallin, 2024. "Implementing circular business models for the second‐life battery of electric vehicles: Challenges and enablers from an ecosystem perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(8), pages 8637-8655, December.
    35. Lokman I. Meho & Cassidy R. Sugimoto, 2009. "Assessing the scholarly impact of information studies: A tale of two citation databases—Scopus and Web of Science," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 60(12), pages 2499-2508, December.
    36. Abdollah Mohammadparst Tabas & Mohsin Abdur Rehman & Fatima Khitous & Andrea Urbinati, 2025. "Stakeholder and customer engagement in circular economy ecosystems: A systematic literature review and research agenda," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(1), pages 402-416, January.
    37. Martina K Linnenluecke & Mauricio Marrone & Abhay K Singh, 2020. "Conducting systematic literature reviews and bibliometric analyses," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 45(2), pages 175-194, May.
    38. Vakhtang Chkareuli & Gvantsa Darguashvili & Dzintra Atstaja & Rozita Susniene, 2024. "Assessing the Financial Viability and Sustainability of Circular Business Models in the Wine Industry: A Comparative Analysis to Traditional Linear Business Model—Case of Georgia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-22, March.
    39. 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.
    40. Rahul Kapoor, 2018. "Ecosystems: broadening the locus of value creation," Journal of Organization Design, Springer;Organizational Design Community, vol. 7(1), pages 1-16, December.
    41. Zhejun Min & Sukanlaya Sawang & Robbert A. Kivits, 2021. "Proposing Circular Economy Ecosystem for Chinese SMEs: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-13, March.
    42. Waltman, Ludo, 2016. "A review of the literature on citation impact indicators," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 10(2), pages 365-391.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Martin Geissdoerfer & Wisdom Kanda & Julian Kirchherr, 2026. "Conceptualizing Circular Ecosystems: An Analysis of 45 Definitions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(2), pages 2368-2394, February.
    2. Snovia Naseem & Tang Yong & Umair Kashif, 2026. "Using an Empirical Approach to Narrate the Role of Circular Economy in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (9 and 13)," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(2), pages 2476-2489, April.
    3. Beatriz Garcia‐Ortega & Javier Galan‐Cubillo & Nhu Quynh Do & Mark Stevenson, 2026. "Circular Ecosystem Orchestration and Institutional Change in the Fashion Industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(5), pages 6141-6163, July.

    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. Martin Geissdoerfer & Wisdom Kanda & Julian Kirchherr, 2026. "Conceptualizing Circular Ecosystems: An Analysis of 45 Definitions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(2), pages 2368-2394, February.
    2. Mariachiara Colucci & Daria Demyanova, 2025. "Illuminating the Field of Sustainable Ecosystems: Framing the Evolution and Future Through Bibliometric and Theme Analyses," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(8), pages 10474-10494, December.
    3. Joseph Kimaro & Virginie Litaudon & Danni Zhang & Regina Frei, 2026. "Circular Business Models in Retail and Manufacturing: Mechanisms, Drivers, and Barriers," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 1-41, April.
    4. Abdollah Mohammadparst Tabas & Mohsin Abdur Rehman & Fatima Khitous & Andrea Urbinati, 2025. "Stakeholder and customer engagement in circular economy ecosystems: A systematic literature review and research agenda," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(1), pages 402-416, January.
    5. 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.
    6. Aline Gabriela Ferrari & Fabiano Armellini & Daniel Jugend & Davide Pulizzotto & Catherine Beaudry, 2026. "Are Ecosystems the Missing Link in Circular Transitions? Insights From a Comprehensive Literature Analysis," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(4), pages 5452-5470, May.
    7. Chirumalla, Koteshwar & Stefan, Ioana & Kulkov, Ignat & Johansson, Glenn & Dahlquist, Erik, 2025. "Navigating the emergence of circular ecosystems for electric vehicle battery second life: Prerequisites and pathways in firm- and ecosystem-level interactions," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    8. Gomes, Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos & Castillo-Ospina, Danika A. & Facin, Ana Lucia Figueiredo & Ferreira, Camila dos Santos & Ometto, Aldo Roberto, 2023. "Circular ecosystem innovation portfolio management," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    9. Gomes, Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos & Faria, Aline Mariane de & Braz, Antonio Carlos & Mello, Adriana Marotti de & Borini, Felipe Mendes & Ometto, Aldo Roberto, 2023. "Circular ecosystem management: Orchestrating ecosystem value proposition and configuration," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    10. Stuart Danvers & Jonathan Robertson & Ambika Zutshi, 2023. "Conceptualizing How Collaboration Advances Circularity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-23, March.
    11. Beatriz Garcia‐Ortega & Javier Galan‐Cubillo & Nhu Quynh Do & Mark Stevenson, 2026. "Circular Ecosystem Orchestration and Institutional Change in the Fashion Industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(5), pages 6141-6163, July.
    12. Lukas Alexander Benz, 2022. "Critical Success Factors for Circular Business Model Innovation from the Perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-18, May.
    13. David Meyer & Nils Schaupensteiner & Johannes Riquel, 2024. "Business Models and Ecosystems in the Circular Economy Using the Example of Battery Second Use Storage Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-25, February.
    14. Subhalaxmi Mohapatra & Subhadip Roy & Arvind Upadhyay & Anil Kumar, 2024. "Circular value creation through environmental entrepreneurship initiatives: A case‐based exploration," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(5), pages 3811-3831, July.
    15. 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.
    16. German Arana‐Landin & Waleska Sigüenza & Beñat Landeta‐Manzano & Iker Laskurain‐Iturbe, 2024. "Circular economy: On the road to ISO 59000 family of standards," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(3), pages 1977-2009, May.
    17. Md. Nazmus Sakib & Md. Akmol Uddin & Towhida Akter Kona & Kanta Sharmin & Md. Mizanur Rahman & Mohammad Sahabuddin, 2025. "A twenty-two-year journey of sustainable human resource management research: bibliometric analysis," Future Business Journal, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-16, December.
    18. Germán López Pérez & Isabel María García Sánchez & José Luis Zafra Gómez, 2024. "A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of eco‐innovation on financial performance: Identifying barriers and drivers," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 1321-1340, February.
    19. Cosma, Simona & Cosma, Stefano & Pennetta, Daniela & Rimo, Giuseppe, 2025. "Overcoming the “valleys of death” in advanced therapies: The role of finance," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 366(C).
    20. Luca Fraccascia & Ilaria Giannoccaro & Abhishek Agarwal & Erik G. Hansen, 2021. "Business models for the circular economy: Empirical advances and future directions," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(6), pages 2741-2744, September.

    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:inecol:v:29:y:2025:i:4:p:1364-1381. 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://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=1088-1980 .

    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.