Abstract

A transition toward the circular economy (CE) will be key to addressing future environmental and economic challenges, such as environmental pollution and resource scarcity. However, when introducing circular solutions, companies often face complex and disruptive changes that affect many stakeholders and require new innovation practices. This study investigates open circular innovation by analyzing the status quo of circular innovation, discussing the relevance and role of different stakeholders, and examining approaches for open circular innovation processes. The study employs a qualitative research design, including 14 in-depth interviews with CE and innovation experts. The findings indicate that companies currently focus on closed innovation approaches or collaborate with only one stakeholder at a time when developing circular innovations. Stakeholder groups, such as customers, suppliers, and academia, play a crucial role in the innovation process, whereas direct collaborations with governments and competitors are seen controversially. An open innovation network approach combined with crowdsourcing is regarded as the most promising for developing circular solutions. This study contributes to connecting open innovation with CE research and provides new knowledge at this interface. Additionally, this research gives managers guidance on how to approach open circular innovation and thus supports companies on their way toward a CE.

Highlights

  • One expert had mainly been involved in closed circular innovation, whereas two had gained deep experience in open innovation (OI), which they were asked to transfer to the field of circular innovation

  • Three process types are developed that describe how stakeholders can be involved in open circular innovation (OCI)

  • This study offers valuable insights on suitable stakeholders and processes for OCI at the firm level. It distinguishes between different types of circular solutions and contributes new perspectives to circular economy (CE) research

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Opening Questions and CE Definition2. Status Quo of Circular Innovation• What are the drivers and barriers for circular innovation in companies?• Which skills are necessary for circular innovation on a corporate level?• Are these skills currently available in companies?• How relevant is circular innovation for companies now? How relevant will it be in 10 years?• How are circular innovations usually developed? Are closed or OI approaches applied?3. Stakeholders for OCI• Which stakeholders from inside and outside the company should be involved in OCI?• Which expectations would you have from the stakeholders?4. Process Approaches for OCI

Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call