INTERVENTION IN PRACTICE: ESTABLISHING A NETWORK OF PRACTICES FOR CIRCULARITY IN MULTIPLE SUPPLY CHAINS

• Grant number: 24/13793-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Administration - Business Administration
• Principal Investigator: Susana Carla Farias Pereira
• Grantee: Neyliane Maranhão de Castro
• Host Institution: Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (EAESP). Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/11967-6 - Center of Sciences for the Development CCD - Solutions for post-consumer waste: packaging and products, AP.CCD

Abstract

The environmental and social impacts of waste production highlight the need for circular economy (CE) models that minimize waste and maximize resource reuse. Based on this understanding, this research aims to investigate how to implement a network of practices for circularity in multiple supply chains (SCs). To achieve this, theories of practice are utilized as a unique approach to guiding the shift of existing practices, where SC actors need to develop a loop of unlearning current practices and learning new activities related to CE. While the literature examines the transformation of practices, there is limited understanding of how this process unfolds for CE, particularly at the SC level, where changes must be interconnected. Therefore, an action research is proposed, focusing on interventions in two SCs (A, with established CE practices, and B, with few or no CE practices), aiming to: (1) identify the practices of each SC actor and their connections; (2) identify opportunities in both SCs to map the network of practice and find ways for transition to CE in B's SC; (3) develop interventions in both SCs to create new links with CE elements; (4) analyze the impact of interventions on the transformation of a network of circular practices for these SCs; (5) analyze the systemic changes, key actors involved and their roles in the creation of a circular network of practices from an ecosystem perspective. Through a practice theories perspective, this study aims to deepen theoretical discussions on CE and offer new insights into creating circular business models. Employing systematic analysis and interventions with step-by-step guidance, this study expects to help firms integrate circularity throughout the product lifecycle.