Community-based circular practices and social innovation: evidence from Uganda

Vittorio Capitani, Marco Minciullo and Giacomo Ciambotti

Chapter 4 in The Elgar Companion to Social Innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals, 2026, pp 73-95 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This study examines circular economy as a form of social innovation, suitable to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the study is centered around circular enterprises (CENs) and the implementation of circular economy practices aimed at the engagement of marginalized people in Sub-Saharan Africa. Employing a grounded theory approach, this study proposes a framework describing the circular economy as social innovation, comprising three key elements: 1) Challenges of CENs with low-income farmers during the dispersion of the value chain, and the lack of skills of CENs’ suppliers; 2) Community-based circular practices, involving the engagement of local actors and marginalized people; and 3) Multidimensional impact of circular economy, highlighting the interconnected environmental, economic, and social benefits of circular practices. This research contributes to circular economy and social innovation literature by illustrating how CENs foster community integration, create jobs, and advance SDGs 1, 2, 8, 12, and 15 through sustainable resource management.

Keywords: Circular Economy; Social Innovation; Circular Enterprise; Social Inclusion; Grounded Theory; Community-Based Practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035326037
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