Using knowledge exchange between prosumers and enterprises to implement circular economy activities in businesses

Abstract

The prosumer engagement conceptual model was considered in light of the Process Classification Framework and how results from Poland and United Kingdom (UK) survey data informed design of the combined prosumer engagement and knowledge exchange conceptual model. The desk literature method was used to review the papers in answering the research propositions. The revised model contains the constructs for supporting prosumer engagement to include sustainability and describes the flow of knowledge sharing and knowledge exchange. Knowledge exchange is the method used to capture and improve enterprise analysis of prosumer knowledge sharing. The sustainability construct includes circular economy philosophy where enterprises evaluate their product and service designs in terms of process stages. The findings confirm the need for increased prosumer engagement as enterprises strive to adopt ways of limiting negative impacts on the environment and improving ethical and responsible business practices. The circular economy is having an impact on all industrial sectors requiring them to evaluate and rethink their processes. The enhancement of the role of prosumers in the circular economy could act as a positive driver for business process changes and aid enterprises in meeting carbon neutral plans. The main contribution of this paper is to offer a novel concept that explains how enterprises can capture and translate prosumer knowledge to inform business strategy within a circular economy setting.