Abstract
In this paper, we conceptualize circular economy ecosystem emergence as the intersection of extant innovation, entrepreneurial, and industrial ecosystems. From our rich qualitative data in the circular textiles and apparel industry, we identify drivers behind emergence and uncover the pivotal role ecosystem orchestrators play in governing the interdependencies between actors and activities across the different intersecting ecosystems. From our findings, we theorize circular economy ecosystem emergence as a transitional phase or “real utopia” that, with purposeful orchestration, can potentially become a future desired state. In doing so, we make novel contributions to the literature on economic ecosystems, circular economy, and prospective theorizing, a nascent future-oriented perspective on theory building. Our research offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers aiming to accelerate circular economy transformation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 195-226 |
| Number of pages | 32 |
| Journal | Organization & Environment |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2025 |
Funding
The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The authors are grateful for funding from the Dutch Research Council (RAAK.PRO03.038) that supported our research on ecosystem orchestration.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Regieorgaan Praktijkgericht Onderzoek SIA | RAAK. PRO03.038 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Orchestrating Circular Economy Ecosystem Emergence: A Case Study of Circular Textiles and Apparel'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Cite this
- APA
- Author
- BIBTEX
- Harvard
- Standard
- RIS
- Vancouver