Circular Economy: The Key Link Between Learning Orientations and Competitive Advantage in Small and Medium‐Sized Enterprises

Francisco Villegas, Stefan Markovic, Cristina Sancha, Nebojsa Davcik (), Piyush Sharma and Joan Llonch
Additional contact information
Francisco Villegas: UDP - Universidad Diego Portales [Santiago - Chili]
Stefan Markovic: NEOMA - Neoma Business School
Cristina Sancha: ESADE Barcelona - Sant Cugat
Nebojsa Davcik: Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie = EM Normandie Business School
Piyush Sharma: Curtin University
Joan Llonch: UAB - Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona = Autonomous University of Barcelona = Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona

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Abstract: Among the extensive research into various environmental strategies and their effects on competitive advantage, a gap remains regarding whether small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from adopting a circular economy and what kinds of internal knowledge they need to embrace it effectively. Based on survey data from 205 SME managers, this study examines how intrinsic and extrinsic learning orientations influence circular economy adoption and competitive advantage. Using structural equation modeling, we validate that both learning orientations are important in fostering the adoption of circular economy within organizations, leading to an increased competitive advantage. Our findings highlight the need for formal knowledgebuilding mechanisms and internal ecosystems to support sustainable change. Overall, our study offers a guide for learning process development for practitioners, consumers, and policymakers in SME contexts.

Keywords: SMEs; Intrinsic vs. extrinsic learning orientation; Environment; Competitive advantage; Circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-09-16
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05652058v1
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Published in Business Strategy and the Environment, 2025, 35 (1), pp.848 - 862. ⟨10.1002/bse.70186⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05652058

DOI: 10.1002/bse.70186

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