Business Model Experimentation for the Circular Economy: Definition and Approaches

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Authors

Business model experimentation has been identified as a key driver for business competitiveness but is underexplored in the sustainability and circular economy spheres. What is business model experimentation for the circular economy? This study follows a two-step approach: a literature analysis followed by a qualitative practitioner study. Based on these, circular business model experimentation is defined as an iterative approach to develop and test circular value propositions in a real-life context with customers and stakeholders, starting with a shared goal. It involves rapid learning based on empirical data to provide evidence on the viability of circular value propositions. Iterations involve increased complexity of experiments. There is a learning focus on initiating wider transitions, such as transforming consumer behaviours for the circular economy. We visualise the emerging research landscape, including research streams from business, transitions, engineering, and design. Practically, we illuminate how practitioners view the concept and current experimentation tools and approaches.
Original languageEnglish
JournalCircular Economy and Sustainability
Volume1
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)49-81
Number of pages33
ISSN2730-597X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 06.2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020’s European research Council (ERC) funding scheme under grant agreement no. 850159.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).

    Research areas

  • Sustainability sciences, Management & Economics - Sustainability, Circular business model, Sustainable business model, Sustainable business model experiment, Circular economy transition, Circular business model experiment