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Development in the Circular Economy Concept: Systematic Review in Context of an Umbrella Framework

Author

Listed:
  • Sugam Upadhayay

    (College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA)

  • Omaima Alqassimi

    (College of Business, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates)

  • Edmund Khashadourian

    (College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA)

  • Alex Sherm

    (College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA)

  • Dinesh Prajapati

    (University Grants Commission, Bhaktapur 44811, Nepal)

Abstract

Even though the traction towards a circular economy (CE) is on the rise, and the benefits a CE has across ecological, economic, and social frontiers have been undeniable, still, CE-related developments and its adoption have not been appealing. This study conducts a systematic literature review of the CE-related literature in line with the ‘umbrella framework’ to find the current state of the diffusion and diversification of CE concepts both in the academic context as well as in application. Using a thematic and content analysis of the sampled literature, the study (i) develops a comprehensive and inclusive CE definition and (ii) examines the level of diffusion of CE in the economy. The study concludes that, even though CE-related developments are positive and promising, it is still in the validity phase of the umbrella framework and recommends focusing more on the application-based intervention of the CE.

Suggested Citation

  • Sugam Upadhayay & Omaima Alqassimi & Edmund Khashadourian & Alex Sherm & Dinesh Prajapati, 2024. "Development in the Circular Economy Concept: Systematic Review in Context of an Umbrella Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-42, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:1500-:d:1336808
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Antoniadou, 2024. "Integrating Lean Management and Circular Economy for Sustainable Dentistry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-25, November.
    2. Nour Mattour & Souad Kamoun-Chouk, 2025. "Circular Economy Challenges and Opportunities amidst Sustainable Development and Perpetual Crises: A Reflection from the Learning Lens of Palestinian Universities," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 699-717, February.
    3. Emilio López & Maria de Fátima Oliveira & Pedro Reis, 2025. "The Use of Circular Economy in Horticulture Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-16, April.
    4. Born, Konstantin, 2025. "Adoption of circular economy practices in the mining sector: Evidence from Chile," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).

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