Maturity Model as a Driver for Circular Economy Transformation

Jonas Nygaard Uhrenholt, Jesper Hemdrup Kristensen, Maria Camila Rincón, Sofie Adamsen, Steffen Foldager Jensen and Brian Vejrum Waehrens
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Jonas Nygaard Uhrenholt: Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Jesper Hemdrup Kristensen: Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Maria Camila Rincón: Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Sofie Adamsen: Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Steffen Foldager Jensen: Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Brian Vejrum Waehrens: Center for Industrial Production, Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: The movement of manufacturing organisations towards a circular economy sets the scene for extensive industrial change. This change is not simply a continuation of current business; instead, it brings up multiple questions concerning ways of thinking, modes of operation, and the very foundation of a business. Manufacturing organisations are experiencing uncertainty regarding how to address this transformation due to its multi-faceted nature. Maturity models are seen by some as a tool for assessing and guiding manufacturing organisations when it comes to complex and multi-faceted agendas, such as that of the circular economy (CE). Maturity models provide scaffolding in the form of presentation of a desired evolution path from which manufacturing organisations can define reasonable and desirable plans for engagement with the circular economy. This study adopts the cumulative capability perspective in developing a CE maturity reference model that explicates the circular transformation by noting six discrete maturity levels across six organisational dimensions: value creation, governance, people and skills, supply chain and partnership, operations and technology, and product and material. The progression of circular maturity is explained by the principles of expertise and the systems perspective. The explication of CE transformation across dimensions and levels provides a boundary object for organisations, i.e., a scaffolding for moving from its current zone of development to its proximal zone of development.

Keywords: maturity model; circular economy sustainability; transition; dynamic capabilities; systems perspective (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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