Circular ecosystems : past, present, and future research directions

Business Models: Embracing the Circular Ecosystem Frontier

For some time now, circular business models have rightly dominated the conversation in circular economy research. We’ve seen incredible innovation in how companies design, produce, and manage products to minimize waste and maximize resource utility. However, the spotlight is undeniably shifting, revealing an even more fundamental truth: no circular business model can truly thrive in isolation.

The emerging frontier and the focus of our paper is circular ecosystems. Think of it this way: a single circular business model is like a fantastic engine, but it needs the right vehicle, the right roads, and the right fuel to truly go anywhere. That “vehicle” is the circular ecosystem.

This means fostering a complex web of interconnected elements:

• Mindsets and Relationships: Cultivating a spirit of coopetition (collaboration among competitors) is crucial. It’s about recognizing that collective action, not just individual effort, will drive systemic change.
• Governance Structures: Establishing clear rules, roles, and responsibilities that facilitate circularity across an entire value chain.
• Policy Interventions: This is, in my view, one of the most under-researched yet vital areas in the field. Effective policy isn’t just about setting regulations; it’s about laying the groundwork, creating incentives, and removing barriers to enable circularity to flourish at scale. It deserves and demands far more attention from researchers and policymakers alike.

Your Launchpad for the Next Wave of Circular Research

Our paper isn’t just a summary; it’s a strategic synthesis of the incredible work already done in this space. Our goal is to offer a launchpad for the next S-curve in circular ecosystem research, inspiring further exploration and innovation. We’ve aimed to provide a comprehensive overview that we truly hope you’ll find insightful and immensely useful in your own work and understanding of this critical field.

We believe that by focusing on these interconnected ecosystems, we can unlock the full potential of the circular economy and accelerate our journey toward a truly sustainable future.

source:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ugcPost-7343898682406133761-SUef?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAtGGkQBsxwMBmX3lEJO8btihnfBCaHqTz4