Smoothing the circular economy transition: The role of resources and capabilities enablers

Abstract

AbstractA transition to the circular economy may be a solution to dissociate financial growth from negative environmental impacts. However, this transition can require an in‐depth understanding of which enablers an organization requires. This research aims to identify the enablers of the circular economy presented in the literature and analyze them against the theories about resources, capabilities, and dynamic capabilities and against the ReSOLVE framework. Through a systematic literature review, this research identified thirteen enablers grouped in three different dimensions (management and people; structure, product, and process; and relationship with stakeholders). Some enablers can be considered as resources, capabilities, or dynamic capabilities and are capable of helping firms to reach a successful transition to the circularity. They may even be sources of competitive advantage in the context of circular economy, mainly the enablers of the dimension “structure, product, and process.” The dimensions of enablers have direct and indirect links with the ReSOLVE framework action areas. Through the discussions of some real cases, it was possible to exemplify how some enablers lead companies to circularity. Besides that, this research posits seven research gaps for future studies.