SMEs on the way to a circular economy: insights from a multi-perspective review

Tarlan Ahmadov (), Susanne Durst, Wolfgang Gerstlberger and Elisabeth Kraut
Additional contact information
Tarlan Ahmadov: Tallinn University of Technology
Susanne Durst: Tallinn University of Technology
Wolfgang Gerstlberger: Tallinn University of Technology
Elisabeth Kraut: Tallinn University of Technology

Management Review Quarterly, 2025, vol. 75, issue 1, No 9, 289-322

Abstract: Abstract The transition to a circular economy (CE) has garnered widespread attention as a solution to address economic, environmental, and social challenges. While large enterprises and policymakers have made steps in adopting CE practices, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges due to limited resources and expertise. Understanding the multi-level perspective (MLP) is essential for SMEs to successfully transition to a CE, as it considers factors at the micro, meso, and macro levels. However, current research often focuses on single levels, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon through systematic research. To address this need, this study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) using the MLP framework to analyse existing research on SMEs' transition to a CE. The study aims to identify macro-, meso-, and micro-level factors, actors, and mechanisms influencing the transition process. The SLR contributes to academic understanding by developing a conceptual model that elucidates the dynamics of the circular transition process within SMEs. Additionally, it provides practical recommendations to support SMEs in navigating the transition successfully. The adoption of the MLP framework empowers SMEs, policymakers, industry associations, and consumers to play their roles effectively in driving the CE transition. While the study acknowledges certain limitations, it opens avenues for future research and enhancement of CE practices in SMEs.

Keywords: Small and medium-sized enterprises; Circular economy; Multi-level perspective; Transition; Systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M10 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11301-023-00380-2 Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:manrev:v:75:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s11301-023-00380-2

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/journal/11301

DOI: 10.1007/s11301-023-00380-2

Access Statistics for this article

Management Review Quarterly is currently edited by Thomas Reutterer, Jonas F. Puck, Engelbert Dockner and Anne d'Arcy

More articles in Management Review Quarterly from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().