Innovation management to support the implementation of the circular economy: Exploring the contributions of open innovation and circular start-ups

• Grant number: 24/18879-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Daniel Jugend
• Grantee: Daniel Jugend
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Bauru
• Associated researchers: Aline Gabriela Ferrari ; Antonio Carlos Freitas Souza ; Fabiano Armellini ; Fernanda Amorim Farias ; Jaime Alberto Mesa Cogollo ; Janaina Aparecida Alves Scaliza

Abstract

It is well known that the successful implementation of the circular economy (CE) in companies relies on innovation efforts that combine both incremental and radical approaches. Despite the recognition of the importance of innovation efforts for adopting the circular economy (CE), little is known about the relationship between the inbound and outbound flows of open innovation, organizational ambidexterity, and the specific open innovation practices that startups use to implement CE. This lack of knowledge is even greater when considering Brazil, a country in which many companies have sought to innovate towards CE. Therefore, further investigation and clarification of innovation management models, methods, and practices that promote the implementation of the CE is important. In this context, this study aims to investigate the relationships and impacts of open innovation flows on the adoption of the CE, as well as the practices and challenges related to open innovation for developing circular solutions in start-ups, using a method that integrates both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. With the results of this project, it is also planned to develop and propose a set of recommendations based on innovation management, especially open innovation, to facilitate the implementation of the CE. Consequently, this project is expected to make contributions to fields such as innovation management, environmental management, new product development management, and sustainable development. (AU)