Study of a real business ecosystem from a circular economy perspective

Abstract

The interest in the concept of circular economy arises at a time when the current linear model becomes unsustainable due to its inappropriate extraction and disposal mode. In this context, the business ecosystem calls attention as an innovative approach, since it allows its different actors to benefit through the collaboration established among them. Through the adoption of different circular strategies, such as reduction, recycling, remanufacturing and reuse, it is possible that the circular economy is achieved by the business ecosystems. However, despite this close relationship between the concepts of circular economy and business ecosystem, few works with focus on these two themes at the same time were found. In that sense, this research aims to contribute by studying a real business ecosystem from the perspective of the circular economy, through the investigation of circular strategies used by the ecosystem. It was selected the exploratory case study method in order to identify the information and materials flow, as well as to determine the stage of life in which the ecosystem is found. The data analysis will be performed with the help of the professional software MAXQDA, which allows a detailed analysis of the interviews and the secondary data obtained. At last, this study aims to promote discussions and future studies on business ecosystem and circular economy, especially in the Brazilian context, where there is little evidence of research in this field.