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Eco-Holonic 4.0 Circular Business Model to Conceptualize Sustainable Value Chain towards Digital Transition

Author

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  • María Jesús Ávila-Gutiérrez

    (Design Engineering Dept, University of Seville, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Virgen de África 7, 41011 Seville, Spain)

  • Alejandro Martín-Gómez

    (Design Engineering Dept, University of Seville, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Virgen de África 7, 41011 Seville, Spain)

  • Francisco Aguayo-González

    (Design Engineering Dept, University of Seville, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Virgen de África 7, 41011 Seville, Spain)

  • Juan Ramón Lama-Ruiz

    (Design Engineering Dept, University of Seville, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Virgen de África 7, 41011 Seville, Spain)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a circular business model based on an Eco-Holonic Architecture, through the integration of circular economy and holonic principles. A conceptual model is developed to manage the complexity of integrating circular economy principles, digital transformation, and tools and frameworks for sustainability into business models. The proposed architecture is multilevel and multiscale in order to achieve the instantiation of the sustainable value chain in any territory. The architecture promotes the incorporation of circular economy and holonic principles into new circular business models. This integrated perspective of business model can support the design and upgrade of the manufacturing companies in their respective industrial sectors. The conceptual model proposed is based on activity theory that considers the interactions between technical and social systems and allows the mitigation of the metabolic rift that exists between natural and social metabolism. This study contributes to the existing literature on circular economy, circular business models and activity theory by considering holonic paradigm concerns, which have not been explored yet. This research also offers a unique holonic architecture of circular business model by considering different levels, relationships, dynamism and contextualization (territory) aspects.

Suggested Citation

  • María Jesús Ávila-Gutiérrez & Alejandro Martín-Gómez & Francisco Aguayo-González & Juan Ramón Lama-Ruiz, 2020. "Eco-Holonic 4.0 Circular Business Model to Conceptualize Sustainable Value Chain towards Digital Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-32, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:5:p:1889-:d:327344
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    4. Tadas RadaviÄ ius & Manuela TvaronaviÄ ienÄ— & Manuela TvaronaviÄ ienÄ—, 2022. "Digitalisation, knowledge management and technology transfer impact on organisations' circularity capabilities," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 4(3), pages 76-95, September.
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