The Portuguese Circular Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Experts Advice on How to Overcome the Challenges

Raysa Geaquinto Rocha (), Arminda do Paço, Helena Alves and Pedro Dinis Gaspar
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Raysa Geaquinto Rocha: NECE—Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Arminda do Paço: NECE—Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Helena Alves: NECE—Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal
Pedro Dinis Gaspar: C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, University of Beira Interior, 6200-001 Covilhã, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 5, 1-14

Abstract: Entrepreneurial ecosystems are unique. Considering the singularities of the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem, this study aims to answer the following question: how can entrepreneurs overcome the challenges of starting their circular businesses in Portugal? To answer it, we carried out a focus group with experts. This study is based on the empirical analysis of data collected in the scope of the RE-START (Reinforcing the Circular Economy Model for START-Ups) Erasmus Plus project, involving organizations from five European countries. The solutions chosen to boost circular businesses predominantly involve education for circular entrepreneurship, cooperation between businesses and universities, and circular entrepreneurs’ competencies. Therefore, these research contributions involve an in-depth understanding of the current context of the circular entrepreneurial ecosystem in Portugal, aligned with elucidating what ought to be adopted to overcome the challenges of this context. These draw attention to the crucial issues that policymakers should consider when regulating and promoting the circular economy. Furthermore, we recommend various actions for the stakeholders in order to foster a sound circular economy ecosystem in Portugal while emphasizing collaborative behaviors.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship education; circular economy; start-up; Portugal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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