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Unlocking Barriers to Circular Economy: An ISM-Based Approach to Contextualizing Dependencies

Author

Listed:
  • Steffen Foldager Jensen

    (Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Jesper Hemdrup Kristensen

    (Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Jonas Nygaard Uhrenholt

    (Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
    Technology & Business Development, University College of Northern Denmark, 9200 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Maria Camila Rincón

    (Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Sofie Adamsen

    (Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Brian Vejrum Waehrens

    (Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

Abstract

Despite it being imperative to a sustainable development, a circular economy remains scarcely adopted by companies. Barriers towards this are extensively explored yet with little focus on their mutual dependencies. Neglecting dependencies is argued to cause suboptimization and lead to unsuccessful circular projects. To counter this and strengthen companies in assessing dependencies among context-dependent barriers towards a circular transition, this study proposes a practice-oriented approach based on an interpretive structural modelling methodology. This is validated through a case study with a Danish mechatronics manufacturer with which fourteen semi-structured interviews, a survey, and a workshop were conducted. Findings reveal an interwoven network of barriers with numerous chain mechanisms across managerial, market-related, financial, technical, and regulative aspects, which underpins the need to approach the circular transition systemically. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the ability of the methodology to facilitate discussions and assist industrial practitioners, both on a strategic and operational level, in systematically untangling the complex interrelations to identify root causes for inertia and prioritize mitigation measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Steffen Foldager Jensen & Jesper Hemdrup Kristensen & Jonas Nygaard Uhrenholt & Maria Camila Rincón & Sofie Adamsen & Brian Vejrum Waehrens, 2022. "Unlocking Barriers to Circular Economy: An ISM-Based Approach to Contextualizing Dependencies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9523-:d:879262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Patricia Guarnieri & Lucio Camara e Silva & Fazli Haleem & Augusto Bianchini & Jessica Rossi & Brian Vejrum Wæhrens & Sami Farooq & Edgar Reyes & André Luiz Nascimento Reis & Barbara de Oliveira Vieir, 2022. "How Can We Measure the Prioritization of Strategies for Transitioning to a Circular Economy at Macro Level? A New Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-31, December.

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