Development in the Circular Economy Concept: Systematic Review in Context of an Umbrella Framework

Sugam Upadhayay (), Omaima Alqassimi, Edmund Khashadourian, Alex Sherm and Dinesh Prajapati ()
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Sugam Upadhayay: College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
Omaima Alqassimi: College of Business, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
Edmund Khashadourian: College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
Alex Sherm: College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
Dinesh Prajapati: University Grants Commission, Bhaktapur 44811, Nepal

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-42

Abstract: Even though the traction towards a circular economy (CE) is on the rise, and the benefits a CE has across ecological, economic, and social frontiers have been undeniable, still, CE-related developments and its adoption have not been appealing. This study conducts a systematic literature review of the CE-related literature in line with the ‘umbrella framework’ to find the current state of the diffusion and diversification of CE concepts both in the academic context as well as in application. Using a thematic and content analysis of the sampled literature, the study (i) develops a comprehensive and inclusive CE definition and (ii) examines the level of diffusion of CE in the economy. The study concludes that, even though CE-related developments are positive and promising, it is still in the validity phase of the umbrella framework and recommends focusing more on the application-based intervention of the CE.

Keywords: circular economy definition; circular economy development; umbrella framework; circular economy confusion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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