IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/circec/v2y2022i2d10.1007_s43615-021-00133-x.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Circular Economy Business Models: a Repertoire of Theoretical Relationships and a Research Agenda

Author

Listed:
  • Roberta Angelis

    (Cardiff Business School)

Abstract

The shift towards a more resource efficient circular economy has become a necessity in the wake of current ecological, economic and social sustainability challenges. Mirroring circular-related developments in policy and business quarters, the circular economy literature is growing as a distinct field of academic enquiry. Yet, the conceptual and theoretical foundations of circular economy thinking need consolidation. Drawing from strategic management, sustainability transitions and systems theories, this article establishes some theoretical anchoring for circular economy business models. It finds that circular business models contribute to an understanding of both competitive advantage and the systemic nature of business. It also develops a future agenda for management research at the interface between the circular economy and business models.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta Angelis, 2022. "Circular Economy Business Models: a Repertoire of Theoretical Relationships and a Research Agenda," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 433-446, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:2:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s43615-021-00133-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-021-00133-x
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s43615-021-00133-x
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s43615-021-00133-x?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Corinne Post & Riikka Sarala & Caroline Gatrell & John E. Prescott, 2020. "Advancing Theory with Review Articles," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 57(2), pages 351-376, March.
    2. Massimiliano Borrello & Stefano Pascucci & Luigi Cembalo, 2020. "Three Propositions to Unify Circular Economy Research: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-22, May.
    3. Vanessa Prieto‐Sandoval & Carmen Jaca & Javier Santos & Rupert J. Baumgartner & Marta Ormazabal, 2019. "Key strategies, resources, and capabilities for implementing circular economy in industrial small and medium enterprises," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(6), pages 1473-1484, November.
    4. Ilija Moric & Jelena Šaković Jovanović & Rajka Đoković & Sanja Peković & Đurđica Perović, 2020. "The Effect of Phases of the Adoption of the Circular Economy on Firm Performance: Evidence from 28 EU Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-12, March.
    5. David J. Teece & Gary Pisano & Amy Shuen, 1997. "Dynamic capabilities and strategic management," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(7), pages 509-533, August.
    6. Florian Lüdeke‐Freund & Stefan Gold & Nancy M. P. Bocken, 2019. "A Review and Typology of Circular Economy Business Model Patterns," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 23(1), pages 36-61, February.
    7. Peter Lacy & Jakob Rutqvist, 2015. "Waste to Wealth," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-137-53070-7, December.
    8. Fehrer, Julia A. & Wieland, Heiko, 2021. "A systemic logic for circular business models," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 609-620.
    9. Ken Webster, 2021. "A Circular Economy Is About the Economy," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 115-126, June.
    10. Wendy L. Tate & Lydia Bals, 2018. "Achieving Shared Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Value Creation: Toward a Social Resource-Based View (SRBV) of the Firm," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 152(3), pages 803-826, October.
    11. Fatima Khitous & Fernanda Strozzi & Andrea Urbinati & Fernando Alberti, 2020. "A Systematic Literature Network Analysis of Existing Themes and Emerging Research Trends in Circular Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-24, February.
    12. Maria Barreiro‐Gen & Rodrigo Lozano, 2020. "How circular is the circular economy? Analysing the implementation of circular economy in organisations," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(8), pages 3484-3494, December.
    13. Jean Garner Stead & W. Edward Stead, 2019. "Why Porter Is Not Enough: Economic Foundations of Sustainable Strategic Management," CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance, in: Thomas Wunder (ed.), Rethinking Strategic Management, chapter 0, pages 67-85, Springer.
    14. Tom Lahti & Joakim Wincent & Vinit Parida, 2018. "A Definition and Theoretical Review of the Circular Economy, Value Creation, and Sustainable Business Models: Where Are We Now and Where Should Research Move in the Future?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, August.
    15. Markard, Jochen & Raven, Rob & Truffer, Bernhard, 2012. "Sustainability transitions: An emerging field of research and its prospects," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 955-967.
    16. Geels, Frank W., 2002. "Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective and a case-study," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(8-9), pages 1257-1274, December.
    17. Pejvak Oghazi & Rana Mostaghel, 2018. "Circular Business Model Challenges and Lessons Learned—An Industrial Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-19, March.
    18. Roberta De Angelis, 2018. "Business Models in the Circular Economy," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-319-75127-6, October.
    19. John E. Prescott & Igor Filatotchev, 2021. "The Business Model Phenomenon: Towards Theoretical Relevance," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(2), pages 517-527, March.
    20. Geels, Frank W. & Schot, Johan, 2007. "Typology of sociotechnical transition pathways," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 399-417, April.
    21. Nancy M. P. Bocken & Ilka Weissbrod & Maria Antikainen, 2021. "Business Model Experimentation for the Circular Economy: Definition and Approaches," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 1(1), pages 49-81, June.
    22. Haftor, Darek M. & Costa Climent, Ricardo & Lundström, Jenny Eriksson, 2021. "How machine learning activates data network effects in business models: Theory advancement through an industrial case of promoting ecological sustainability," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 196-205.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Mura, Rita & Vicentini, Francesca & Botti, Ludovico Maria & Chiriacò, Maria Vincenza, 2023. "Economic and environmental outcomes of a sustainable and circular approach: Case study of an Italian wine-producing firm," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    2. Rita Mura & Francesca Vicentini & Ludovico Maria Botti & Maria Vincenza Chiriacò, 2024. "Achieving the circular economy through environmental policies: Packaging strategies for more sustainable business models in the wine industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 1497-1514, February.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Stephanie Lang & Giulia Minnucci & Matthias Mueller & Michael P. Schlaile, 2023. "The Role of Consumers in Business Model Innovations for a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-19, June.
    2. Walrave, Bob & Talmar, Madis & Podoynitsyna, Ksenia S. & Romme, A. Georges L. & Verbong, Geert P.J., 2018. "A multi-level perspective on innovation ecosystems for path-breaking innovation," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 103-113.
    3. Geels, Frank W., 2020. "Micro-foundations of the multi-level perspective on socio-technical transitions: Developing a multi-dimensional model of agency through crossovers between social constructivism, evolutionary economics," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    4. Miha Dominko & Kaja Primc & Renata Slabe-Erker & Barbara Kalar, 2023. "A bibliometric analysis of circular economy in the fields of business and economics: towards more action-oriented research," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(7), pages 5797-5830, July.
    5. Sorrell, Steve, 2018. "Explaining sociotechnical transitions: A critical realist perspective," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(7), pages 1267-1282.
    6. Singh, Shiwangi & Dhir, Sanjay & Das, V. Mukunda & Sharma, Anuj, 2020. "Bibliometric overview of the Technological Forecasting and Social Change journal: Analysis from 1970 to 2018," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    7. Roberta De Angelis & Robert Morgan & Luigi M. De Luca, 2023. "Open strategy and dynamic capabilities: A framework for circular economy business models research," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4861-4873, November.
    8. Chedrak Chembessi & Christophe Beaurain & Geneviève Cloutier, 2022. "Analyzing Technical and Organizational Changes in Circular Economy (CE) Implementation with a TOE Framework: Insights from a CE Project of Kamouraska (Quebec)," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 2(3), pages 915-936, September.
    9. Nhat Strøm-Andersen, 2019. "Incumbents in the Transition Towards the Bioeconomy: The Role of Dynamic Capabilities and Innovation Strategies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-20, September.
    10. Steen, Markus & Weaver, Tyson, 2017. "Incumbents’ diversification and cross-sectorial energy industry dynamics," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(6), pages 1071-1086.
    11. Thomas Magnusson & Viktor Werner, 2023. "Conceptualisations of incumbent firms in sustainability transitions: Insights from organisation theory and a systematic literature review," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(2), pages 903-919, February.
    12. Garud, Raghu & Gehman, Joel, 2012. "Metatheoretical perspectives on sustainability journeys: Evolutionary, relational and durational," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(6), pages 980-995.
    13. German Arana‐Landin & Waleska Sigüenza & Beñat Landeta‐Manzano & Iker Laskurain‐Iturbe, 2024. "Circular economy: On the road to ISO 59000 family of standards," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(3), pages 1977-2009, May.
    14. Bessi, Alessandro & Guidolin, Mariangela & Manfredi, Piero, 2021. "The role of gas on future perspectives of renewable energy diffusion: Bridging technology or lock-in?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    15. André Sorensen & Anna-Katharina Brenner, 2021. "Cities, Urban Property Systems, and Sustainability Transitions: Contested Processes of Institutional Change and the Regulation of Urban Property Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-19, July.
    16. Jain, Sanjay, 2020. "Fumbling to the future? Socio-technical regime change in the recorded music industry," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    17. Frank W. Geels, 2013. "The Impact of the Financial and Economic Crisis on Sustainability Transitions: Financial Investment, Governance and Public Discourse. WWWforEurope Working Paper No. 39," WIFO Studies, WIFO, number 47014, April.
    18. Nina Savela & Jarkko Levänen & Sara Lindeman & Nnenesi Kgabi & Heikki Koivisto & Meri Olenius & Samuel John & Damas Mashauri & Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola, 2020. "Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Pressure: Comparing the Sustainability Transition Potential of Water and Energy Regimes in Namibia," World, MDPI, vol. 1(2), pages 1-18, July.
    19. Joana Ramanauskaitė, 2021. "The Role of Incumbent Actors in Sustainability Transitions: A Case of LITHUANIA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-19, November.
    20. Kuokkanen, A. & Nurmi, A. & Mikkilä, M. & Kuisma, M. & Kahiluoto, H. & Linnanen, L., 2018. "Agency in regime destabilization through the selection environment: The Finnish food system’s sustainability transition," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(8), pages 1513-1522.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:2:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s43615-021-00133-x. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.