Enabling the Circular Economy Transition in Organizations: A Moderated Mediation Model

The notion of Corporate Environmental Responsibility has been extensively researched in the literature so far, but less is known about how this concept fits into the circular economy paradigm. We performed a moderated mediation analysis in order to identify the mechanism that links corporate environmental responsibility with readiness for change towards a circular economy business model. The findings from 311 respondents show that there is a positive association between corporate environmental responsibility and the readiness for change to a circular model, mediated by perceived circular economy drivers. In addition, perceived circular economy barriers hinder this positive relationship, acting as a buffer. These findings can further contribute to the elaboration of a conceptual framework for embedding circular economy in the corporate social responsibility strategies of organizations.

Simulating Pitting Corrosion in AM 316L Microstructures Through Phase Field Methods and Computational Modeling

This work investigates how the crystallographic features of additive manufactured (AM) microstructures impact the pitting corrosion process through computational simulations of phase field models. Crystallographic influence is explored by introducing orientation dependencies into the corrosion potentials and elastic constants of the model through microstructural data provided from AM 316L samples. Comparisons of evolved pit morphologies and stress responses are made to a standard homogeneous, semi-circular model to better highlight how the complexity of AM microstructures affects pit evolution and stress concentrations. The results illustrate that AM-informed modeling cases produce larger, deeper pits with numerous locations of elevated stress concentrations along the pit front.

The circular economy model as a promising path towards regional ecological and economic balance

The article presents the results of an analysis of the possibilities for the transition of the region’s economy to a circular economic model. According to the aim of this article the main economic activities and tools for making such a transition in Kamchatka Territory have been identified. The principles of the circular economy and its advantages over the traditional “linear” model have been analysed. On the example of the Kamchatka Territory, the preconditions and prospects for the region’s transition to a circular economy model in terms of the existing structure of production of goods and services have been analysed. Using MS Excel tools, the structure of the gross regional product has been analysed, according to the results of which the main economic activities that are promising for the transition to a circular model have been identified. Regional indicators for waste recycling and neutralisation have been analysed, and chain coefficients have been calculated for growth in the share of recycled and neutralised waste for Russia as a whole, for the Far Eastern Federal District and Kamchatka Territory. Based on the results of the calculation, it has been concluded that the coefficient values for the Kamchatka Territory lag behind those for the whole of Russia and the Far Eastern Federal District. A number of financial and economic, technological, legal and informational tools have been identified, the use of which makes it possible to implement the transition to a circular economic model. Fisheries, energy, tourism, recycling and waste management have been identified as the most promising economic activities for such a transition. The findings conclude that it is important to continue research into the various aspects of the transition to a circular economy, as well as continued coordinated efforts are needed to implement it.

TRANSITION TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY: THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY ASSETS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW MODEL

Public awareness and relevant consumer behaviors are crucial in accelerating the transition to a circular economy (CE) model. This paper focused on exploring university activities for changing awareness and behaviors according to the principles of its new circular model to foster sustainable development. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review provides a holistic perspective on university CE-related activities in the implementation of the CE. The review revealed that the construction of a theoretical framework in universities with asset-based development is conducive to promoting the CE model through transformative learning. In light of recent academic insights into CE education, a theoretical framework for CE-related university activities was developed based on attributes of CE-related university assets, such as non-profit status, technology innovation, education, propagation, and efficient use of resources. We also introduce into scientific use the term CE-related university assets and provide a classification of these CE-related assets. The present findings contribute to a deeper understanding of universities’ CE-related resources and assets to improve public awareness and behaviors, as well as to train and inspire the leaders (including engineers, managers, designers, etc.) of tomorrow, required for further implementing the CE model.

Firms' capabilities management for waste patents in a circular economy

PurposeThis study aims to define and measure the capabilities applied by firms to waste-related patents and their relations with the businesses economic performance to support decision-making towards a circular economy (CE).Design/methodology/approachA model of cause-and-effect relationships between firms' waste-related patents and the firm' capabilities was defined within the dynamic capabilities' theoretical framework. Empirical results were obtained by applying partial least squares structural equation modelling to a sample of 2,216 Spanish firms that hold 120,406 patents.FindingsResults revealed the importance of the innovation capabilities of firms related to patenting, such as collaborative innovation, persistence in patenting or the capabilities to collaborate with research institutes, as drivers of level of waste patents to improve the businesses economic performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe systemic nature of the CE at the firm level suggests future research focused on the environmental divergence that appears when the innovation on waste fall outside the regular domain of its industry. Another topic to be investigated is related to the full text of patents that could improve the results of this study.Practical implicationsThe definition of indicators to measure investments in the CE is complex, but it is necessary to assess progress in the closing of material loops at a micro level and to report the investments in waste-related patents in a circular model to the stakeholders involved in the economic management of the company.Originality/valueMeasuring CE-related patents and the specific capabilities needed for patenting in a circular framework is an understudied topic, and this study opens a specific line of inquiry enhancing the knowledge of CE within the dynamic capabilities' theoretical framework.

Sustainable Circular Micro Index for Evaluating Virtual Substitution Using Machine Learning with the Path Planning Problem as a Case Study

Due to the problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, semiconductor supply shortages impacting the technology industry, micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises have been affected because the profitability of their business models depends on market stability. Therefore, it is essential to propose alternatives to mitigate the various consequences, such as the high costs. One attractive alternative is to replace the physical elements using resource-limited devices powered by machine learning. Novel features can improve the embedded devices’ (such as old smartphones) ability to perceive an environment and be incorporated in a circular model. However, it is essential to measure the impact of substituting the physical elements employing an approach of a sustainable circular economy. For this reason, this paper proposes a sustainable circular index to measure the impact of the substitution of a physical element by virtualization. The index is composed of five dimensions: economic, social, environmental, circular, and performance. In order to describe this index, a case study was employed to measure the path-planning generator for micro aerial vehicles developed using virtual simulation using machine-learning methods. The proposed index allows considering virtualization to extend the life cycle of devices with limited resources based on suggested criteria. Thus, a smartphone and the Jetson nano board were analyzed as replacements of specialized sensors in controlled environments.