Abstract
The article focuses on a bottom-up approach to implementing the concept of circular economy. All enterprises, not only the most aware ones, face the challenges of this economy. The modification of business models towards circular economy becomes a necessity. However, questions arise as to whether the use of circular economy business models is widely practiced and how enterprises are coping with the implementation of these models. This article presents the results of research aimed at assessing the organizational maturity of enterprises in terms of implementing the principles of circular economy. Based on the concept of organizational maturity levels of the CMMI model, the classification of circular business models according to R2Pi and the integrated business model (the so-called business model canvas), the maturity index of the circular economy business model is constructed. The results obtained do not allow one to formulate very optimistic conclusions. First of all, a competency gap in the field of circular business models is identified, which translates into a limited application of these models in practice. The most frequently implemented models are: circular raw materials, recovery of raw materials, modification and repair. Most enterprises tend to undertake activities that are characteristic of circular economy. Furthermore, the importance of these activities increases with the age of the enterprise.
Highlights
Introduction the SME SectorSustainability 2021, 13, Circular economy (CE) is an alternative to the open and linear business model, which is replaced by a closed loop of material flows, creating return cycles: resources–products–resources
This is a reason why practices implemented by enterprises are so important and consist of offering products made of less hazardous substances; offering products that can be repaired, modified and reused; and using innovative recycling technologies or implementing sustainable business models [13]
The objective of the study is to assess the organizational maturity of enterprises in terms of implementing the assumptions of circular economy
Summary
Introduction the SME SectorSustainability 2021, 13, Circular economy (CE) is an alternative to the open and linear business model, which is replaced by a closed loop of material flows, creating return cycles: resources–products–resources. Researchers note that the environment is a public good, the environmental benefits (or costs) resulting from the activities of enterprises are derived (or incurred) by the entire society [12]. This is a reason why practices implemented by enterprises are so important and consist of offering products made of less hazardous substances; offering products that can be repaired, modified and reused; and using innovative recycling technologies or implementing sustainable business models [13]. Such activities of enterprises are the basis of sustainable development and present the opportunity to achieve some goals of sustainable development (SDGs) [14]
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