Open source as an enabler for circularity: A systematic literature review

Abstract

In recent years, multiple crises have shown the fragility of global supply chains. In particular, climate change and exploding energy prices shed light on the never-ending waste of resources caused by the linear economic model. In response, circular economy emerges as a promising alternative. For a systemic transition, companies must rethink and innovate their business models, current product life cycles, and underlying mindsets. Cross-sectoral collaboration in networks is necessary to redesign, reuse, recycle and remanufacture products and close the loop of material flows. In the field of software, this collaboration was reached by open source software (OSS). In the 1990s, OSS appeared as an emerging phenomenon overcoming existing limitations imposed by intellectual property laws. However, the concept of openness is not limited to software. First projects and research on the concepts of open source hardware (OSH), open innovation and open design show that openness can be a game-changer for the circular economy. This paper explores possible ways, prerequisites, and obstacles of open source concepts enabling circular value creation in the industry. We combine explorative data from a systematic literature review and more than 10 interviews with experts from open source and circular economy. We identify data exchange, trust, and accessibility as key aspects and show challenges within the necessary transition process. In an exploratory approach, we identify necessary lines of future research in order to facilitate open source movements toward a circular economy. The paper provides insights for academics and practitioners from production, supply chain, and management as it combines interdisciplinary perspectives to unlock the potential of open source concepts and collaboration for enabling circular economy.