The adoption of socially inclusive circular business models

• Grant number: 24/22828-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Production Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Marly Monteiro de Carvalho
• Grantee: Alyson da Luz Pereira Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/16011-5 - Circular business models and ecosystem: embracing social inclusion perspective, AP.TEM

Abstract

The circular economy is an industrial and social economic system to restore and regenerate resources, replacing the linear model of input-process-waste with a model aimed at maximizing and extending the utility and value from products, components, and materials. The circular economy can be a pathway for transitioning towards responsible consumption and production (Sustainable Development Goal 12). Socially Inclusive Circular Economy Models can address the increasing limitations in the availability of natural resources (enabling closed loops where products are remanufactured, reused or recycled) while at the same time creating value for companies (through reduced costs and new markets) and job opportunities for lower income sectors of society (for instance collecting and sorting used products). However, circular economy models rely on interactions with many stakeholders that are not controlled directly by companies. All stakeholders constitute what is known as the business ecosystem of a company. Business ecosystems are stakeholders from different industries and locations working together in a network with complementary roles. Our knowledge of how business ecosystems create and maintain value is still limited. Similarly limited is our knowledge of how circular economy models can be more inclusive and what role more vulnerable communities play in business ecosystems. As a result, CE models are still scarce and their scalability (the ability to grow and capture market share) is limited. The project aims to understand in-depth how to scale up socially inclusive circular economy models. To this end, we will conduct fieldwork engaging companies implementing the circular economy in different sectors. We will investigate their business models, the mechanisms used to create value with CE models and the roles played by business ecosystems.