Towards the Implementation of the Smart Circular Economy for Sustainable Development: A Systemic Framework of Barriers and Drivers in the Hospitality Sector

The hospitality sector is recognized for its high impact on sustainable development due to its intensive use of resources and significant waste generation. Although factors influencing the implementation of the smart circular economy (SCE) for sustainability have been studied, empirical evidence remains limited and diffuse, especially in hospitality. To address this gap, we investigate the main barriers and drivers for SCE implementation in the hospitality industry and propose an integrative framework that systematically articulates barriers, drivers, eco‐innovations, SCE, and sustainability performance. We employed a qualitative approach based on semi‐structured interviews with accommodations and other key stakeholders in Spain and the use of the content analysis technique. Our results reveal fundamental drivers and barriers on economic, social, institutional, and technological factors in the implementation of the SCE. Finally, we present an integrative framework scalable to other contexts to improve research and practice on the relationships between SCE, eco‐innovation, and firm outcomes.