Startups hold the key to circular economy transition, study finds
A new analysis shows startups are better positioned than established companies to adopt circular business models—which optimize resource use and reduce waste—because they lack legacy systems to protect. Supporting startups through universities, incubators, and venture funds could accelerate the shift toward circular economy practices at scale.
Originaltitel: Start-ups within entrepreneurial ecosystems: Transition towards circular economy
<p>This article explores the role of start-ups within entrepreneurial ecosystems in driving the transition towards a circular economy. It emphasises the importance of understanding and supporting circular start-ups for broader sustainability impacts. Unlike established firms, start-ups can readily adopt ambitious circular business models (CBMs) without the risk of business model cannibalisation and with the agility to adapt to market trends. CBMs enhance value creation, delivery and capture resource flows in an optimised non-linear fashion. Scaling up CBMs is crucial for overall economic, social and environmental benefits. Hence, leveraging the key entrepreneurial ecosystems actors, such as universities, business incubators and related venture development intermediaries, is vital for start-up support. In this special issue, we have invited researchers to submit contributions that delve into the dynamics among start-ups, entrepreneurial ecosystems and the circular economy, aiming to enrich our understanding of the early stage start-up development process with the aim of promoting the circular economy at a firm, regional or national level.</p>