A bibliometric analysis of circular economy in the fields of business and economics: towards more action-oriented research

Miha Dominko (), Kaja Primc, Renata Slabe-Erker and Barbara Kalar
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Miha Dominko: Institute for Economic Research
Kaja Primc: Institute for Economic Research
Renata Slabe-Erker: Institute for Economic Research
Barbara Kalar: Institute for Economic Research

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2023, vol. 25, issue 7, No 2, 5797-5830

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we reveal and systemize development trends in the scientific field of the circular economy (CE). Our results imply that academic research on the CE focuses heavily on theoretical conceptualizations and technological solutions. However, these advancements alone are unlikely to help prevent from ecological collapse. With this observation in mind, we explore the potential held by a more relational, action-based approach to support a faster and more efficient transition from the linear economy to the CE. A useful combination of several bibliometric techniques gave us valuable references for re-focusing this area of science to adopt action-oriented research where a group of stakeholders collaborates and co-creates solutions. An analysis of valuable action-oriented CE studies reveals that scholars focus on the techno-economic aspect, where they develop ways to create optimal circular material and energy flows and co-design processes for products/services, as well as the organizational aspect, where they study self-sustainable community networks and participatory governance. We identify three research streams that would benefit from such action-oriented research for a faster practical implementation: sustainable supply chains, waste management, and business model innovation. A practice-based agenda is proposed to stimulate the scientific community to conduct future research on a CE that better supports companies.

Keywords: Circular economy; Sustainability; Closed-loop system; Bibliometric analysis; Future research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02347-x

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