| Abstract [eng] |
The growing problem of waste and pollution highlights the importance and need for a circular economy, and more and more companies are applying the principles of such a system to their operations. The relevance of the circular economy theme raises the need to study the role of the ecosystem in the implementation of circular business models. The integration of circular principles in innovative product development and the enabling of the circular business model in manufacturing companies requires a much larger number of additional new processes, technologies, knowledge and infrastructure. Collaboration and active involvement of stakeholder groups in the processes is essential to create environmental, economic and social value and to produce circular products. Although the literature on circular business models and ecosystems is extensive, and the links between circular business models and ecosystems can be identified, the relationship between the two concepts is under-analysed and remains undiscovered. Therefore, the research aim is to identify the role of the circular economy ecosystem in the implementation of a circular business model in innovative manufacturing firms. To achieve the research aim, the following research objectives were set: 1. To disclosure the role of the circular economy ecosystem in implementing the circular business model; 2. To analyse the principles of circular economy empowerment in the circular business model and the innovation ecosystem from a theoretical perspective; 3. To highlight the theoretical aspects of the role of the circular economy ecosystem in the implementation of the circular business model; 4. To develop a methodology for the role of the circular economy ecosystem in the implementation of the circular business model in innovative manufacturing companies; 5. To analyse the role of the circular economy ecosystem in the implementation of the circular business model in innovative manufacturing companies. The research methods applied in this work include an analysis of academic literature and information sources to shed light on the role of the economic ecosystem in the adoption of circular business models. A case study was carried out to confirm the role in the qualitative research. A semi-structured interview method was chosen to collect data. Innovative manufacturing companies developing products in line with circular principles were selected for the case study. The key theoretical findings include the principles of circular economy empowerment in the circular business model and the innovation ecosystem, the role of the circular economy in the implementation of the circular business model from a theoretical perspective. The analysis of the scientific literature has shown that the implementation of the circular economy in business processes requires innovation in products, business model and ecosystem. The role of the ecosystem in the implementation of the circular business model is highlighted due to the collaboration and interaction with stakeholders required for the processes. The analysis has thus shown that the ecosystem can also help to overcome some of the barriers to implementing the business model. The analysis of the literature and sources shows that the success of circular enterprises in implementing business models depends on a functioning/non-functioning ecosystem, which can act as a key driver/barrier to the implementation of such business models. The key empirical findings show that the principles of ecosystem collaboration, experimentation and platformisation are crucial for the success of all enterprises. The role of the ecosystem was found to be most clearly revealed through the prism of emerging barriers and the ability of the ecosystem to overcome these barriers. The results of the analysis reveal the dependence of companies on the stakeholder ecosystem, which provides access to resources, knowledge and technology. When implementing circular business models, it is not enough to operate independently in the internal supply and value chain, and it is therefore inevitable to operate at the ecosystem level. |
