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Investigating digital technologies’ implementation in circular businesses: Evidence from the going circular path

Author

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  • Perotti, Francesco Antonio
  • Dhir, Amandeep
  • Ferraris, Alberto
  • Kliestik, Tomas

Abstract

This research aims to unpack how digital technologies can facilitate the flourishing of circular business practices in small- and medium-sized enterprises by structuring a detailed going circular path that explains businesses’ evolution toward circularity. In doing so, it outlines how the observed organizations have adopted – or are adopting – circular economy principles thanks to business digitalization. Following an inductive approach based on a multiple case study methodology, we investigated 16 small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in industries that put considerable pressure on the environment (e.g., manufacturing, chemical, construction, fashion, food, and beverage). Our findings confirm how digital technologies, as well as Industry 4.0 structures, play a fundamental role in shaping, enabling, enhancing, and refining circular products and processes development. Accordingly, we outline a generalizable step-by-step process to pursue circular economy by employing digital technologies. The present study represents a practical handout for guiding companies through their going circular path.

Suggested Citation

  • Perotti, Francesco Antonio & Dhir, Amandeep & Ferraris, Alberto & Kliestik, Tomas, 2024. "Investigating digital technologies’ implementation in circular businesses: Evidence from the going circular path," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 30(3), pages 421-451, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jomorg:v:30:y:2024:i:3:p:421-451_3
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    Cited by:

    1. Raimo, Nicola & L'Abate, Vitiana & Vitolla, Filippo & Salvi, Antonio & Petruzzella, Felice, 2026. "Closing the loop on forecasts: Circular economy disclosure via social media platforms and analyst forecast quality," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    2. Bevilacqua, Simone & Ferraris, Alberto & Matzler, Kurt & Kuděj, Michal, 2026. "Strategic leadership at high altitude: Investigating how AI affects the required skills of top managers," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    3. Hulya Turkcan & Salih Zeki Imamoglu & Huseyin Ince & Serhat Erat, 2025. "Digital Capabilities and Circular Economy Practices to Enhance Environmental and Economic Performance: The Role of Digital Technology‐Environmental Strategy Alignment," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(4), pages 5069-5087, July.
    4. Saumyaranjan Sahoo & Ankur Chauhan & Rahul Meena & V. G. Venkatesh, 2026. "How Boundary‐Spanning Search, Design for Circularity, and Artificial Intelligence Powered Analytics Enhance Manufacturer's Circularity Performance?," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(3), pages 3484-3504, March.
    5. R. Purushothaman & R. Alamelu & M. Sudha, 2025. "Bridging the Circular Economy Knowledge Gap in SMEs: A Systematic Review of Adoption Barriers, Implementation Strategies, and Theoretical Insights," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(6), pages 5455-5474, November.

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