scholarly journals What Is the Customer Value of the Circular Economy? Cross-Industry Exploration of Diverse Values Perceived by Consumers and Business Customers

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13764
Author(s):  
Leena Aarikka-Stenroos ◽  
Martina Don Welathanthri ◽  
Valtteri Ranta
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Case Investigation ◽  
Functional Value ◽  
Conceptual Maps ◽  
Customer Perspective ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Business Customers

A growing number of companies provide CE products, technologies, services, and solutions, and similarly, an increasing number of researchers have analyzed sustainable and CE business models providing knowledge about CE technology businesses. However, this research has focused almost solely on the providers’ perspective on CE business and offerings, remaining silent on the customer perspective. Therefore, this study contributes by focusing on the customer value of CE innovations and solutions, conducting an explorative qualitative multiple-case investigation among customers of diverse CE businesses, and mapping diverse customer value dimensions, including economic, functional, emotional, and symbolic, and comparing them as perceived by consumer and business customers. The findings show that the functional value of CE offerings dominates. We develop conceptual maps for CE customer value for a theoretical understanding of the CE from the customer perspective and provide insights for managers to assert the value of their CE solutions.

scholarly journals Customer Experience in Circular Economy: Experiential Dimensions among Consumers of Reused and Recycled Clothes

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 509
Author(s):  
An Hai Ta ◽  
Leena Aarikka-Stenroos ◽  
Lauri Litovuo
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Customer Experience ◽  
Clothing Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Customer Perspective ◽  
Customer Values

The textile and clothing industry is undergoing a sustainability transition, pushing related businesses to adapt to circular economy (CE) models, such as recycling and reuse. This shift has been extensively studied from industry and business model perspectives, but we lack an understanding of the customer perspective, i.e., how circulated products, such as reused and recycled clothes are experienced among consumers. This understanding is crucial, as customer experience plays a significant role in the adoption of CE products. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative interview study to explore how consumer-customers experience recycled textiles and reused clothes. We used an established experience dimension model and mapped how the five dimensions of customer experience—sensory, affective, behavioral, cognitive, and social—present themselves in the sustainable clothing industry. The data comprised 16 qualitative semi-structured interviews analyzed with a coding framework built on the basis of customer experiences, customer values, and the CE business model literature. The results revealed that diverse sensory (e.g., scent), affective (e.g., pride and shame), behavioral (e.g., developing new decision-making rules), cognitive (e.g., learning and unlearning), and social (e.g., getting feedback from others and manifesting own values) aspects shape how consumers experience reused and recycled clothes. We also compared and analyzed the results of the reuse and redistribute model and the recycle model. Our study contributes to the literature of CE business models and customer experience by providing a structured map of diverse experiential triggers and outcomes from the five experiential dimensions, which together reveal how consumers experience circulated products of the clothing industry. These findings enhance our understanding of customers’ motivation to use recycled and reused products and adoption of CE products.

scholarly journals Configuring New Business Models for Circular Economy through Product–Service Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 3727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina P. P. Pieroni ◽  
Tim C. McAloone ◽  
Daniela C. A. Pigosso
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service System ◽  
Service Systems ◽  
Product Service System ◽  
Product Service ◽  
New Business ◽  
Product Service Systems ◽  
New Business Models

Product—service systems (PSSs) are often outlined as potential enablers of new business models for circular economy. However, not all business models based on product-service systems have superior circularity potential. This research demonstrates how the application of a previously developed business model configurator for circular economy can support the design and assessment of customer value, economic and resource decoupling potential for product-service system business models in practice. By applying action research in two Nordic manufacturing companies from the furniture sector, different business model concepts based on product-service systems were proposed and assessed. Results indicate positive uptake by companies regarding the usefulness of the obtained outcomes. This research identified two key findings about ‘product-service system business models for circular economy’: (i) their configuration should fulfil certain simultaneous conditions—i.e. superior customer value, economic growth, and resource decoupling potential—to contribute to circular economy; and (ii) they are often ‘niche solutions’, fulfilling specific needs and customer segments, and more likely to flourish with certain types/characteristic of products, segments or geographical locations. Lastly, a framework outlining the conditions and trade-offs for assessing the circularity potential of business models based on product-service systems is introduced as one of the key contributions.

Creating value in the circular economy: A structured multiple-case analysis of business models

2018 ◽  
Vol 201 ◽  
pp. 988-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valtteri Ranta ◽  
Leena Aarikka-Stenroos ◽  
Saku J. Mäkinen
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Multiple Case

Circular Business Model Transformation: A Roadmap for Incumbent Firms

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Frishammar ◽  
Vinit Parida
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Model Transformation ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Multiple Case

To achieve positive economic, environmental, and social benefits, many incumbent manufacturing firms attempt to apply circular economy principles to their business practices. However, these firms often struggle to change their existing linear business models to circular models because the steps required for successful transformation are still poorly understood. Based on a multiple case study of eight business model transformation journeys, this article proposes a roadmap for circular business model transformation. It provides a step-by-step process to enable circular transition, allowing companies to meet environmental, social, and financial objectives and proactively address sustainability.

scholarly journals Learning from Failure and Success: The Challenges for Circular Economy Implementation in SMEs in an Emerging Economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1529
Author(s):  
Andrea Cantú ◽  
Eduardo Aguiñaga ◽  
Carlos Scheel
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Implementation Barriers ◽  
Developed Economies ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Medium Enterprises

While there is ample research on the barriers and enablers for implementing circular economy (CE) in large companies and developed economies, scant research exists concerning the factors impacting CE implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. To address this gap, our research seeks to determine the internal and external barriers SMEs face when implementing CE initiatives in emerging economies and identify how they can leverage CE implementation through bottom-up approaches. We present a multiple-case study of five SMEs in Mexico. Our findings suggest that the lack of regional enabling conditions and unsuitability between the CE business strategy and the context can further exacerbate implementation barriers. In this sense, we found that in our study’s unsuccessful case, the company failed to align its business to the particularities of the markets where it operated. Contrary, successful initiatives adopted strategies that incorporated contextual attributes in their business models, such as available infrastructure, current regulations, or consumer characteristics. Our results provide lessons from both failing and successful CE initiatives implemented by SMEs in an emerging economy. This work intends to help practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to create the required enabling conditions to accelerate the transition toward a CE in these regions.

scholarly journals Sustainability and Quality Management in the Italian Luxury Furniture Sector: A Circular Economy Perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marica Barbaritano ◽  
Laura Bravi ◽  
Elisabetta Savelli
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Furniture Industry ◽  
Sustainable Practices ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
New Business ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Product And Process

The growing attention paid to global environmental risks has gradually raised interest, both on the agendas of firms and governments towards the development of new business models such as Circular Economy. This study is focused on the luxury furniture industry and it is aimed at investigating how much furniture companies know about Circular Economy practices, what they specifically do for implementing them and what factors motivate, support or hinder their adoption. The role of product and process certifications in developing such sustainable practices is also analyzed, given their importance for implementing environmentally sustainable practices. The research method is based on a qualitative multiple case study carried out on four Italian companies operating in the luxury furniture industry. A worthy degree of awareness and knowledge of Circular Economy principles emerged from the analysis. Nevertheless, furniture companies analyzed are still little involved in Circular Economy practices, especially concerning reuse and recycle actions, which are particularly important within this perspective. Similarly, very little use of process and product certifications emerged from the study. Therefore, a potential gap seems to arise between the positive attitude towards Circular Economy practices and their actual implementation, which suggests useful implications for both institutions and managers involved in sustainable development processes.

scholarly journals Managerial practices for designing circular economy business models

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 561-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enes Ünal ◽  
Andrea Urbinati ◽  
Davide Chiaroni
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Value Network ◽  
Study Methodology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the managerial practices that companies can implement in order to design a circular economy business model and how companies can create and capture value from a circular economy business model. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a single case study methodology with semi-structured interviews and company, supplier, and manufacturing site visits, conducted in a small-to-medium-size Italian company operating in the office supply industry. Findings The theoretical setting maps a set of managerial practices for a circular economy business model and sets the research gaps and questions in a research framework designed along three main dimensions: value network, customer value proposition and interface, and managerial commitment. Then, through an empirical analysis, the findings reveal that the proposed dimensions are interdependent and reinforce each other. Moreover, the managerial commitment as moderating factor between the value network and the customer value proposition and interface dimensions is identified as essential for reaching the intended goals of circular economy business models. Research limitations/implications This study maximizes the depth of the phenomenon under investigation by leveraging a single case study methodology, which ideally helps in a theory-testing approach as in the present case. Future research opportunities could be found in qualitative and quantitative studies to increase the generalizability of the findings of this paper. Practical implications The paper presents a set of relevant managerial practices for circular economy business models that can be used by managers who have the will to embrace in practice circular economy principles to support the design, change, or upgrade of the business model of companies within which they operate. Originality/value An interdisciplinary approach that integrates the research streams of circular economy, social psychology, organizational behavior, and business model design has been pursued to test the theoretical setting and the research framework for circular economy business models in a real-world context.

Influence of social networks on business processes’ development

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 2225-2252
Author(s):  
E.V. Popov ◽  
V.L. Simonova ◽  
O.V. Komarova ◽  
S.S. Kaigorodova
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Sales Channels ◽  
A Value ◽  
The Impact

Subject. The emergence of new ways of interaction between sellers and buyers, the formation of new sales channels and product promotion based on the use of digital economy tools is at the heart of improving the business processes. Social networks became a tool for development; their rapid growth necessitates theoretical understanding and identification of potential application in enterprise's business process digitalization. Objectives. We explore the role of social media in the digitalization of business processes, systematize the impact of social networks on business processes of enterprises in the digital economy. Methods. The theoretical and methodological analysis of social networks as a tool for digitalization of company's business processes rests on the content analysis of domestic and foreign scientific studies, comparison, generalization and systematization. Results. We highlight the key effects of the impact of social networks on the business processes of the company; show that the digitalization of business processes should be considered in the context of a value-based approach, aimed at creating a value through the algorithmization of company operations. We determine that social networks are one of the most important tools for digitalization of company's business processes, as they have a high organizational and management potential. We also systematize the effects of social media on company's business processes. Conclusions. We present theoretical provisions of the impact of social networks on business processes of enterprises, which will enable to model and organize ideas about the development of digital ecosystems and the formation of business models.

Emerging Industrial Revolution: Symbiosis of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy: The Role of Universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seeram Ramakrishna ◽  
Alfred Ngowi ◽  
Henk De Jager ◽  
Bankole O. Awuzie
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽  
New Jobs

Growing consumerism and population worldwide raises concerns about society’s sustainability aspirations. This has led to calls for concerted efforts to shift from the linear economy to a circular economy (CE), which are gaining momentum globally. CE approaches lead to a zero-waste scenario of economic growth and sustainable development. These approaches are based on semi-scientific and empirical concepts with technologies enabling 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and 6Rs (reuse, recycle, redesign, remanufacture, reduce, recover). Studies estimate that the transition to a CE would save the world in excess of a trillion dollars annually while creating new jobs, business opportunities and economic growth. The emerging industrial revolution will enhance the symbiotic pursuit of new technologies and CE to transform extant production systems and business models for sustainability. This article examines the trends, availability and readiness of fourth industrial revolution (4IR or industry 4.0) technologies (for example, Internet of Things [IoT], artificial intelligence [AI] and nanotechnology) to support and promote CE transitions within the higher education institutional context. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of universities as living laboratories for experimenting the utility of industry 4.0 technologies in driving the shift towards CE futures. The article concludes that universities should play a pivotal role in engendering CE transitions.

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