Advancing circular economy performance through blockchain adoption: A study using institutional and resource-based frameworks

Smart technology is essential for integrating circular economy principles. This research investigates how conflict management strategies (collaboration, accommodation, avoidance, compromise, and competition) impact the adoption of smart technology, particularly blockchain, in Jordanian SMEs. Additionally, the study explores the moderating role of customer-centric green supply chain management in the relationship between blockchain adoption and circular economy principles. This research addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on Jordanian SMEs, an under-explored context. Data were collected from 421 senior managers, department heads, and executives of Jordanian SMEs, and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), to test the hypotheses and analyze complex relationships. The findings reveal that conflict management strategies are critical in blockchain adoption, with collaboration and compromise emerging as the most influential. Moreover, blockchain adoption positively impacts the implementation of circular economy principles. The moderating effect of customer-centric green supply chain management enhances the sustainability and competitiveness of SMEs through blockchain technology. This research contributes to theory and practice by providing valuable insights into the strategic role of conflict management in driving technological innovation and sustainability within the circular economy framework, particularly in the context of Jordanian SMEs.

Blockchain technology, brought into existence in the year 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto, is an open and distributed ledger tool offering secure and permanent storage of transactions. It offers decentralized control of transactions. Over the period, three different versions of blockchain have been developed. It is widely used in sectors like healthcare, education, etc. Circular economy is such a production and consumption ecosystem that focuses on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The present study tries to analyze the avant-garde state of blockchain technology's application for circular economy by adopting a bibliometric and systematic approach. Taking a filtered sample of 1339 papers from Scopus database, bibliometric analysis was conducted with an aim to understand the evolution of blockchain's usage in circular economy. Later, systematic review of the relevant papers is done that highlighted major prospects and barriers to blockchain's adoption. The study also cites present applications of blockchain by corporates and governments. Finally, it concludes with suggestions for blockchain's better adoption. The present study is one of its kind, true to the knowledge of the authors. Such bibliometric analysis combined with systematic review is an outcome of the original work of the authors. The combined results of the two reviews have not yet been done in the field of study.

Digital technologies have become a cause célèbre among academics and practitioners as great tools capable of building resilient and sustainable supply chains. This chapter provides an overview of the recent developments in data analytics applications in supply chain resilience (SCR) and supply chain sustainability (SCS). There has been an exponential growth of literature on data analytics applications for SCR and SCS, with a particularly notable increase observed since 2015. In this systematic literature review, we find that both SCR and SCS research are concentrated around five main themes: (1) data analytics capabilities, (2) role of Industry 4.0, (3) blockchain adoption, (4) big data analytics, and (5) machine learning. Closed-loop supply chain design and circular economy are of unique focus in SCS, while digital twin only emerged as a research theme in SCR research. The underlying themes in SCR contexts are more dispersed than in SCS, mostly due to the comparative maturity of SCS research. In light of the promising developments in data analytics applications for SCR and SCS, promising avenues for future inquiry are the design of effective data-sharing incentive mechanisms, and the utilization of big data from social media platforms, yielding valuable insights for both research and practitioners.

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative tool for enhancing transparency and accountability in waste management systems, contributing significantly to sustainability goals. This paper explores how blockchain can revolutionize waste disposal practices by providing an immutable, decentralized ledger that tracks waste from generation to disposal. The use of blockchain ensures that all transactions and movements of waste materials are recorded in a transparent and tamper-proof manner, addressing challenges related to data integrity and fraud in waste management. Blockchain technology facilitates real-time monitoring and verification of waste disposal processes. Each stage of the waste management chain, from collection and transportation to processing and final disposal, is documented on a distributed ledger accessible to all stakeholders. This transparency not only reduces the risk of illegal dumping and misreporting but also enables more effective regulatory compliance. Stakeholders, including waste management authorities, businesses, and the public, can access reliable data on waste management practices, fostering greater accountability. Moreover, blockchain supports the implementation of circular economy principles by tracking the lifecycle of recyclable materials. It enables efficient sorting and recycling by providing detailed records of material types and quantities, thereby improving recycling rates and reducing landfill dependency. Smart contracts on blockchain platforms can automate transactions and enforce compliance with waste management policies, further enhancing operational efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. The adoption of blockchain in waste management also promotes stakeholder engagement and trust. Public access to real-time data and historical records empowers communities to participate in and monitor local waste management efforts, leading to increased public awareness and responsibility. Despite its potential, the implementation of blockchain in waste management faces challenges such as integration with existing systems, scalability, and data privacy concerns. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between technology developers, waste management professionals, and policymakers. In conclusion, blockchain technology offers significant benefits for sustainable waste management by improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Its potential to transform waste disposal practices highlights the need for continued exploration and development in this field.

Purpose Drawing upon dynamic capability theory (DCT), this study aims to explore the differing effects of digitalization intensity and digitalization breadth on circular economy (CE) performance, as well as the moderating roles of internal corporate governance represented by the chief technology officer (CTO) presence and external public governance formed through exposure to government agencies. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing a sample of 1,030 listed Chinese manufacturing firms between 2011 and 2022, this study constructs a panel dataset and employs the fixed effect model to examine the proposed hypotheses. Various analyses, including self-selection bias correction, endogeneity test and robustness checks, are conducted to verify the reliability of the results. Findings The empirical results indicate that digitalization intensity facilitates firms' CE performance, whereas digitalization breadth does not have a significant impact. Furthermore, CTO presence reinforces the influence of both digitalization intensity and digitalization breadth on CE performance, while government agency exposure only positively moderates the effect of digitalization intensity on CE performance. Originality/value This study extends the technology management literature by identifying two digitalization investment strategies (i.e. digitalization intensity and digitalization breadth) and exploring their distinct impacts on CE performance. It also contributes to the governance literature and expands the theoretical discourse on DCT by highlighting the significant roles of internal and external governance in facilitating the development of dynamic capabilities.

There are various existing practices and future potential for turning mining waste into valuable products. The inventory of the tailings in the metal mines in Finland showed that considerable concentrations of many critical metals are contained in the waste. However, the amounts of generated waste are so significant that the full implementation of circular economy is challenging. A combination of several different circular economy approaches (reduce, reprocess, upcycle, downcycle and dispose for future) is needed to manage the waste streams in mining in a holistic way. Various technologies are already in use for the recovery of metals from the tailings and for the use of the mineral residues in high and low-value products. The institutional framework has an impact on the economics of the valorisation of mine waste. Digitalisation can support in identifying where the biggest potential for valorisation exists. The rising concepts of digital material and product passports would support the circularity and the traceability of waste-based materials. • Finnish tailings contain considerable amounts of metals. • Holistic circular economy approaches are needed to manage the waste streams. • Technologies to recover metals and to use mineral residues are available. • Valorisation of mine waste depends on the institutional framework. • Digitalisation can support circularity of waste-based materials.

The term Circular Regulations (CR) is introduced to describe a broad regulatory framework, designed with a circular understanding of the economy. Central in this discussion is the transition towards bioeconomy, a term that is not always used consistently, and sometimes treated in the same way as circular economy (CE), although these terms are not necessarily equivalent. In this article we endorse a systemic interpretation of CE, where a continuum of approaches, extending from reusing/recycling/upcycling to refuse/rethink/reduce, gradually replace existing linear “end-of-life” concepts. CE is a key prerequisite for the bioeconomy shift, a transition that further builds on CE, where circular design and processes are further augmented with increased resource utilization and intensive applications of innovative science and technology. The prevailing regulatory arrangements in CE, however, remain either fragmented or largely based on pre-existing policies, drafted to address issues of the linear economy, thus presenting several limitations when dealing with the underlying paradigm shift: complex market relationships that go beyond the standard neoclassical model. CR adopts an encompassing approach to regulatory design; it is not meant to be a rigid set of rules, but rather a regulatory framework where institutions, market rules, and business practice explicitly account for environmental and socially responsible activities, while securing an enabling environment for innovation. CR directly reflects on CE, where bioeconomy growth is informed by science, enabled by technology, driven by business, and supported by relevant policies and institutional frameworks. The article presents a conceptual setting towards CR and a practical example for its development.

PurposeThe shift toward a circular economy (CE) represents a collaborative endeavor necessitating the presence of efficient frameworks, conducive contexts and a common comprehension. This research serves as a pivotal stride towards this goal, presenting an exclusive prospect for the investigation and fusion of these frameworks, with particular emphasis on the Quintuple Helix Model (5HM), into a unified theoretical framework that underscores the core principles of the CE. This study is centered on three pivotal questions aimed at decoding the CE transition in specific regional settings.Design/methodology/approachAdopting an abductive approach firmly anchored in a two-stage qualitative process, this study specifically merges the foundational principles from institutional theory, entrepreneurship literature and CE frameworks to provide insights into the dynamics of circular ecosystems, with a specific focus on the Huelva region in Spain.FindingsThe findings demonstrate significant potential in the CE, ranging from the integration of product and service systems to innovations in eco-industrial practices. Yet, a notable deficiency exists: the absence of institutional entrepreneurs, highlighting the essential role that universities can play. As recognized centers of innovation, universities are suggested to be key contributors to the transformation toward a CE, aligning with their societal and economic responsibilities.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of managing relationships with entities like SMEs and policymakers or academia for effective CE adoption. Policymakers can refine strategies based on the research’s insights, while the impact of university-driven circular ecosystems on sustainable societies is another crucial area for research.Originality/valueThe sustainability models cited in CE literature may not be comprehensive enough to prevent problem shifting, and it can be argued that they lack a sound theoretical and conceptual basis. Furthermore, the connections between sustainability objectives and the three levels of the CE operating system remain vague. Additionally, there is insufficient information on how regions foster the involvement of the environment in fivefold helix cooperation and how this impacts the CE.

As regulatory authorities emphasize sustainable practices, manufacturing organizations rely on Industry 4.0 technologies to shift their business model from a linear to a circular economy. While intuitively this transformation seems straightforward, in reality, it is rather nuanced, thereby necessitating scholarly investigation into process‐based antecedents of circular economy performance of organizations. This study used structural equation modeling to analyze empirical data from 278 Indian manufacturers. Largely, the results demonstrate that the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies does have a significant effect on the performance of the circular economy within these organizations, owing to their strong influence on green procurement and remanufacturing activities. Additionally, the results show that these process activities (e.g., green procurement and remanufacturing) do mediate the interaction between the deployment of Industry 4.0 and circular economy performance.

The Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as a critical paradigm for promoting sustainability through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop supply chain practices. While technological advancements and operational strategies for CE implementation have received significant attention, the role of leadership particularly digital leadership in enabling and scaling circular practices remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates how digital leadership influences the adoption and performance of Circular Economy initiatives within sustainable supply chains. Drawing on Circular Economy principles and digital leadership theory, the study employs qualitative content analysis of secondary data obtained from sustainability and digital transformation reports of multinational organizations. The analysis maps digital leadership behaviors to key circular practices, including digital traceability, resource optimization, closed-loop systems, and data-driven decision-making. The findings are expected to reveal a strong linkage between digitally enabled leadership capabilities and enhanced circular performance outcomes. By proposing a conceptual Digital Leadership Circular Economy framework, this study contributes to the growing body of sustainability and supply chain literature and offers practical guidance for organizational leaders seeking to leverage digital transformation to achieve long-term circular and sustainable supply chain performance.

Background and objective: This article examines the evolution of the Republic of Korea’s environmental diplomacy toward ASEAN from 2008 to 2025, focusing on the development of cooperation on green and circular economies.Methods: Using a historical-institutionalist perspective and the analytical lens of environmental diplomacy, the study investigates how successive administrations transformed green growth from a strategic policy vision into concrete programs for sustainable development in Southeast Asia. The analysis integrates historical comparison, qualitative policy assessment, and discourse analysis of major strategies, institutional frameworks, and cooperation initiatives.Results: The findings reveal a shift from the normative and declaratory orientation of the Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye governments toward more institutionalized and technology-centered cooperation under Moon Jae-in and Yoon Seok-yeol. Through initiatives such as the Green New Deal, the New Southern Policy, and emerging Korea-ASEAN green and circular economy platforms, the Republic of Korea expanded its engagement by supporting renewable energy development, waste management, and circular production systems. As a result, Korea’s environmental diplomacy has evolved into a multidimensional framework that combines technological assistance, financial support, and capacity building to facilitate ASEAN’s low-carbon transition and broader sustainability goals.Conclusion: Situated within the broader regional and historical context of East Asia, the study demonstrates that environmental cooperation functions not only as a developmental instrument but also as a source of soft power and regional legitimacy for a middle power seeking to contribute to ecological security and sustainable development.

Advancing circular economy of pallets: A comprehensive evaluation framework

ABSTRACTThe study investigates how environmental strategies, board gender diversity, and CSR committees affect the circular economy performance in the banking sector. For the first time, we focus on three specific reduction goals: GHG emission reduction, e‐waste reduction, and offering products to reduce the negative environmental impact. Using a sample of 671 listed worldwide banks from 63 countries in 2010–2021, we demonstrate that green strategies and CSR committees positively affect all three circular economy targets. However, board gender diversity positively impacts bank emission reduction and green products offered but does not influence e‐waste reduction. Furthermore, the presence of the CSR committee significantly improves the effectiveness of environmental strategies adopted by banks in achieving their circular economy performance. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change proves to be effective in enhancing bank circular economy reduction outcomes.

Although existing scholarship recognizes environmental sustainability orientation as an important driver of circular economy outcomes, limited research has examined the contingent mechanisms through which this orientation translates into circular economy target performance (CCTP), particularly in resource‐constrained contexts. We adopted a knowledge‐based perspective to investigate how green value co‐creation moderates the relationship between environmental sustainability orientation and CCTP under varying conditions of green knowledge‐processing capability. Our study advances theory by conceptualizing environmental sustainability orientation as a multidimensional construct comprising chief executive officer (CEO) and supplier sustainability orientations, and by identifying the boundary conditions that determine when each dimension translates into circular economy outcomes. We validated our model using two‐wave survey data from 300 small‐ and medium‐sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) and their key suppliers in Ghana. The data supported our hypotheses by showing that supplier sustainability orientation exerts a stronger direct effect on CCTP than CEO sustainability orientation and that the effects of CEO and supplier sustainability orientation on CCTP are amplified under high levels of green value co‐creation. Additionally, we uncovered that green value co‐creation and green knowledge‐processing capability jointly moderate these relationships, with maximum circular economy benefits occurring when both contingencies are high, particularly for supplier sustainability orientation. These findings advance the knowledge‐based view by demonstrating how collaborative knowledge mechanisms and internal knowledge‐processing capabilities work synergistically to enable strategic orientation leverage. Our study offers fresh insights for managers in resource‐constrained environments, such as the Sub‐Saharan African context, and contributes to business strategy literature by revealing how firms can achieve competitive advantage through strategic orchestration of external collaboration and internal capabilities.

This paper presents research on the circular economy performance in Serbia. The introduction of a circular economy in the field of waste management is only the first step; the concept of circular economy goes beyond waste management in scope and content. In this paper, the authors emphasize this complexity, starting from the set of available definitions, encompassing the global level, the EU level, as well as the level of Serbia, as a representative country with an economy in transition. An analysis is provided of the concept of circular economy with the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.