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Proposing Circular Economy Ecosystem for Chinese SMEs: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Zhejun Min

    (Faculty of Business and Law, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK)

  • Sukanlaya Sawang

    (Faculty of Business and Law, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
    QUT Business School, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia)

  • Robbert A. Kivits

    (Faculty of Business and Law, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK)

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) has attracted so much attention around the world as it can contribute to the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, to address the increasing critical resources scarcity and environmental issues. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China are a major driving force in the economy with 43 million SMEs in 2020. Most of them maintain the traditional economic development method of “take–use”, without considering the environment. This has caused great harm to the environment and resource availability. Therefore, Chinese SMEs must adopt CE in their business to address this issue. The current study aims to explore the key barriers (lack of time, lack of human resources and finance) and enablers (e.g., network, innovation, and reputation) for Chinese SMEs CE adoption. The current study employs a systematic review approach with thematic analysis to identify the internal and external barriers and enablers of CE adoption among SMEs. Moreover, a CE ecosystem has been proposed for identifying the key actors in the CE system, which will be beneficial for policy-makers to take into account when drafting and adjusting CE laws and regulations.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:5:p:2395-:d:508404
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. John Storm & Adam Smith, 2022. "Empathize with Whom? Adopting a Design Thinking Mind-Set to Stimulate Sustainability Initiatives in Chinese SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    5. Victoria Akberdina & Wadim Strielkowski & Natalia Linder & Sergey Kashirin & Lyudmila Shmeleva, 2023. "Information Technology and Digital Sufficiency for Building the Sustainable Circular Economy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, January.
    6. Syed Abdul Rehman Khan & Arsalan Zahid Piprani & Zhang Yu, 2022. "Digital technology and circular economy practices: future of supply chains," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 15(3), pages 676-688, December.
    7. Le Yang & Jiahao Zhang & Yufeng Zhang, 2021. "Environmental Regulations and Corporate Green Innovation in China: The Role of City Leaders’ Promotion Pressure," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-21, July.
    8. Hang Wu & Yiying Qu, 2021. "How Do Firms Promote Green Innovation through International Mergers and Acquisitions: The Moderating Role of Green Image and Green Subsidy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-16, July.

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