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Circular Economy Business Models, Value Creation and Humane Entrepreneurship: A Micro-Sized and Social Enterprise Perspective

Author

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  • Roberta Angelis

    (Lecturer in Marketing and Strategy)

  • Massimiliano Vesci

    (University of Salerno)

Abstract

The circular economy is currently championed across different quarters as a potential solution to contemporary and multiple sustainability challenges. Academically, the concept has witnessed a substantial increase in scholars’ interest. Yet the locus of current literature is mainly conceptual, and there is a dearth of contributions from business and management studies. Drawing on the circular business models and the nascent humane entrepreneurship literature, and an exemplary, micro-sized social enterprise, we find that circular business models generate multiple forms of social value beyond the creation of job opportunities only, and that they are characterised by a humane entrepreneurship orientation. As a result, we contribute to the limited literature on circular economy implementation and to the emerging literature at the intersection between entrepreneurship and the circular economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberta Angelis & Massimiliano Vesci, 2025. "Circular Economy Business Models, Value Creation and Humane Entrepreneurship: A Micro-Sized and Social Enterprise Perspective," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 147-160, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:5:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00419-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00419-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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