Circular economy ideas in the practice of industrial ecosystems in Russia

Abstract

The arrival of the new phenomenon “industrial ecosystem” to the field of production organisation makes investigating it particularly relevant. The paper focuses on describing its essence, indispensable structural elements, as well as delves into the practical significance allowing for the trends in Russia’s technological and ecological development. Methodologically, the paper is based on the concepts of industrial revolution, circular and digital economies. Methods of desk research and systematisation are used. According to the findings, the concept “industrial ecosystem” appeared within industrial ecology and represents a kind of a business ecosystem. In Kleiner’s systems concept, this type of ecosystem is considered as a total of an industrial cluster, a platform, a network, and an incubator. Comparative analysis of various forms of production organisation allows identifying industrial cluster as the most appropriate basis of the ecosystem. It is proved that the digital platform, the communication and logistics network, and the business incubator (technology park) are important for ensuring efficient operation of an industrial cluster. The paper validates the treatment of industrial ecosystems as a transitional form between natural (biological) and non-natural (business) ecosystems. The goal orientation of industrial ecosystem is handling both socioeconomic and environmental problems due to setting up closed-loop industrial cycles. The paper presents an original scheme of an ecosystem taking into account the principles of circular economy: industrial enterprise – circular industrial cluster – industrial ecosystem.