Unravelling Inter-Organisational Collaboration to Address the Circular Economy Transitions: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study offers a systematic review of the growing body of literature about inter-organisational collaboration initiatives that have arisen to deal with the circular economy transition. Indeed, circular economy transition is highly reliant on stakeholders' interaction in collaborative patterns, where organisations bring together specific knowledge and resources to overcome technical and economic constraints. Building on this awareness, an increasing number of studies furthered the understanding of circular economy from a meso-level perspective and the need for systematisation has become evident. In response to the lack of general conceptualisation and characterisation of inter-organisational collaboration initiatives, this article provides a clearer picture of the most common collaborative approaches discussed in the circular economy literature. As a result of the bibliometric and thematic content analysis of 78 scientific papers, we illustrate three thematic clusters and outline five dimensions to put forward a novel conceptual compass for circular economy ventures. Delving into circular partnerships, supply chains, and ecosystems, we offer a first systematisation of such a flourishing literature stream and suggest future avenues by handling several research questions for forthcoming studies. In terms of managerial implications, this study supports decision-making by comparing different strategic approaches to address the circular economy transition in collaboration with firm's stakeholders.