Integrating circular economy strategies and business models: a systematic literature review

Purpose: This study aims to undertake a review of the circular economy (CE) and business model (BM) literature by conducting a thematic analysis and developing a framework.

Design/methodology/approach: To address the research questions, a systematic literature review was conducted. Finally, 106 publications were chosen based on two main criteria.

Findings: The authors performed an athematic analysis of CE drivers. This analysis identifies five key areas: environmental, economic, social, regulatory and institutional factors, as well as emerging approaches for addressing CE drivers. A framework for the circular economy business model (CEBM) has been developed by integrating BM value dimensions and three primary CE strategies, including closing, slowing and narrowing resource loops. Additionally, the authors’ framework considers the CEBM’s sustainability impact in emerging economies.

Research limitations/implications: This study is limited in two ways: one is inherent in the concept of CE, particularly CEBM, and the other is methodological.

Originality/value: This study contributes to the body of knowledge about CE and BM in three ways. First, this research includes a thematic analysis of CE drivers, as well as themes and subthemes. Additionally, the authors discuss an emerging approach for CE drivers. Second, the authors make a contribution by proposing a framework for CEBM that takes value dimensions and CE strategies into account for the emerging economy context. Third, the authors shed light on potential avenues for further research.