Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Swee Kuik, Akhil Kumar, Li Diong, Joowon Ban
Summary: This study examines the key influences on the transition to CBM and proposes a conceptual framework for a transition plan based on innovative business models. A case example from the manufacturing industry is presented. The framework aims to promote sustainable business practices and provide guidance for SMEs in transitioning to CBMs.
Article
Business
Sai Sudhakar Nudurupati, Pawan Budhwar, Raja Phani Pappu, Soumyadeb Chowdhury, Mukesh Kondala, Ayon Chakraborty, Sadhan Kumar Ghosh
Summary: The adoption of circular economy in Indian SMEs is still in its early stages. This study examines the factors influencing and inhibiting the adoption of circular economy in Indian manufacturing and process-based SMEs. It also proposes six implementation principles for managers to achieve resource efficiency, cost savings, collaboration, and sustainable outcomes.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pablo Garrido-Prada, Helena Lenihan, Justin Doran, Christian Rammer, Mauricio Perez-Alaniz
Summary: The study shows that public environmental and energy R&D positively impacts SMEs' implementation of circular economy activities, but negatively affects their investment in such activities.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Nunzio Tritto, Jose G. Dias, Francesca Bassi
Summary: This paper examines the willingness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union (EU) to implement Circular Economy (CE) practices, and explores the factors influencing this willingness at both the company and country levels. The study uses a unique survey dataset of over 10,000 SMEs in the EU and analyzes the hierarchical structure of companies within countries using a multilevel factor model. The results show regional differences between Western and Eastern European countries in terms of SMEs' willingness to implement CE activities, which has implications for EU policies in the context of the European Green Deal.
SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Stella Despoudi, Uthayasankar Sivarajah, Konstantina Spanaki, Vincent Charles, Vel Kandhan Durai
Summary: This study explores the potential of implementing the circular economy model using Industry 4.0 technology in fruit and vegetable SMEs in India, as well as the specific enablers and barriers that SMEs need to consider to develop the resources and capabilities for CE competitive advantage. The findings suggest that Industry 4.0 plays a key role in implementing CE in SMEs in emerging economies such as India.
ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesca Bassi, Mariangela Guidolin
Summary: The study found that lack of environmental expertise is a barrier for SMEs to implement resource-efficiency actions, while characteristics of the firms such as age and size have a significant impact on resource efficiency.
Article
Information Science & Library Science
Marinko Skare, Maria de las Mercedes de Obesso, Samuel Ribeiro-Navarrete
Summary: Digital transformation has a profound impact on SMEs' business activities, providing advantages and risks. This study examines the effects of digital technology on SMEs' specific business activities, using the digital economy and society index as indicators. The findings reveal that digital transformation enhances SMEs' ability to address business concerns but also brings risks such as labor shortages and loss of competitiveness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ray Maher, Jennifer Yarnold, N. N. C. Pushpamali
Summary: This article presents case studies of three SMEs implementing circular business models through a training program, highlighting lessons for policy makers and training providers. It emphasizes the role of SMEs in advancing the circular transition and provides insights on how governments can support SMEs through programs and policies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ryan Woodard
Summary: This paper investigates the management of waste from SMEs in England, revealing a significant number of businesses illegally using household waste services. Analysis of household waste shows a considerable amount of recyclable and biodegradable materials that could be diverted from disposal through recycling programs. The study provides pioneering estimates of the level of business waste abuse of household services and offers recommendations for improved management.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Business
Yasanur Kayikci, Yigit Kazancoglu, Nazlican Gozacan-Chase, Cisem Lafci, Luciano Batista
Summary: This paper assesses the readiness and maturity level of a Smart Circular Supply Chain (SCSC) in SMEs from a multi-layered perspective, using a case study of SMEs in Turkey's textile industry. The study makes a unique contribution by integrating the concepts of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy and evaluating the readiness and maturity levels within the supply chain.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Prasanta Kumar Dey, Soumyadeb Chowdhury, Amelie Abadie, Emilia Vann Yaroson, Sobhan Sarkar
Summary: This study explores the impact of organizational behavioral mechanisms at the human-technology interface on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the subsequent influence of AI adoption on sustainable practices and supply chain resilience. The results show that leadership plays a key role in driving AI adoption by creating a data-driven, digital culture and enhancing employee skills. AI adoption positively affects sustainable practices, supply chain agility, and risk management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Business
Bing Zhu, Mai Nguyen, Nang Sarm Siri, Ashish Malik
Summary: This study develops a transformative conceptual model for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging markets, highlighting the phases and interactions of circular economy (CE) practices. The model takes into account macro-, meso-, and micro-level influences to achieve sustainable development and provides a foundation for future research.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Economics
Ruochen Dai, Hao Feng, Junpeng Hu, Quan Jin, Huiwen Li, Ranran Wang, Ruixin Wang, Lihe Xu, Xiaobo Zhang
Summary: The outbreak of COVID-19 and related lockdown restrictions had a severe impact on SMEs in China, with 80% temporarily closed at one point. Although most had reopened by the following month, many were still operating at partial capacity due to inadequate demand, leading to a significant number of permanent closures.
CHINA ECONOMIC REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Philipp Rittershaus, Manfred Renner, Venkat Aryan
Summary: Although small and medium enterprises recognize the benefits of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and material loops, their adoption of circular economy principles is still in its early stages. Existing literature on circular economy lacks research focused specifically on small and medium enterprises and tends to be vague and overwhelming. Moreover, these enterprises lack the financial and organizational resources to implement systemic changes to their already optimized business models. This study presents a conceptual approach and tools to guide small and medium enterprises in generating business model innovations, narrowing down solution options, and evaluating trade-offs in their transition towards circular value creation.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Business
Dragana Radicic, Sasa Petkovic
Summary: This study examines the effects of digitalization on technological innovations in German SMEs, focusing on three forms of digitalization: production and logistics digitalization, digital value chains, and big data analytics. Using the MIP dataset, a binary probit model is employed to test the innovation effects of digitalization in micro, small, and medium-sized SMEs. The findings show that the impact of digitalization on innovation activities varies among SMEs and is influenced by the form of digitalization and type of innovation. The study also reveals a moderating effect of internal R&D activities on the innovation effects of digitalization.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nikolai Witulski, Jose G. Dias
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Francesca Bassi, Fulvia Pennoni, Luca Rossetto
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Bassi, G. Arbia, P. D. Falorsi
Summary: The article discusses the estimation of Covid-19 prevalence in Italy and proposes reweighting official data to obtain a more representative sample. By post-stratifying and reweighting the data using age and gender variables, more reliable estimates of prevalence and lethality are obtained, resulting in a prevalence rate of approximately 9% for Italy. The proposed methodology provides a reasonable approximation while waiting for more reliable data from a properly designed national sample survey and could be further improved with additional data.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Lucas Lopes Ferreira de Souza, Francesca Bassi, Ana Augusta Ferreira de Freitas
Summary: This study categorizes clients of a microcredit programme in Brazil into different segments based on business and personal variables, showing that diverse actions are needed for each group. While some clients experienced worsened conditions, a promising quarter of borrowers saw improvements in their circumstances, with no evidence of mission drift observed.
JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Francesca Bassi, Mattia Doria
Summary: This paper examines the spread of COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Italy by analyzing publicly available data from the Italian National Institute of Health. The study focuses on the second and third waves of the pandemic in Italy and investigates the relationship between school openings and the diffusion of COVID-19. The findings suggest that school closures have played a significant role in mitigating the spread of the virus among young people, particularly those aged 14-19.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesca Bassi, Mariangela Guidolin
Summary: The study found that lack of environmental expertise is a barrier for SMEs to implement resource-efficiency actions, while characteristics of the firms such as age and size have a significant impact on resource efficiency.
Article
Economics
Ana Gomes, Jose G. Dias
Summary: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have changed their way of working, learning, and socializing. This study aims to identify internet usage typologies in the 28 European Union countries, based on user characteristics and patterns. The analysis shows that internet use in the EU digital market is not homogeneous, indicating the need for the European Commission to address these pre-existing gaps in their digitalization strategy.
JCMS-JOURNAL OF COMMON MARKET STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesca Bassi
Summary: The paper aims to analyze European consumers' attitudes and behavior towards the environment. It measures homogeneity and heterogeneity within and between European countries, verifies the relationship between attitude and behavior, and identifies factors that favor sustainable actions and consumption. Multilevel latent class models and multilevel logistic regression models are used to cluster citizens and countries and to correlate green actions with environmental attitudes and sociodemographic characteristics. The findings reveal six homogeneous groups of citizens with different levels of sensitivity and four groups of European countries with similar compositions. The results also indicate a direct influence of attitude on behavior and significant effects of consumers' sociodemographic characteristics.
Article
Statistics & Probability
Francesca Bassi, Jose Fernando Vera, Juan Antonio Marmolejo Martin
Summary: This study focuses on the attitudes and willingness of European citizens towards sustainable tourism and examines their behavior patterns through individual profiles. By using a latent class distance association model and unfolding method, the limitations of traditional methods in analyzing profiles are overcome. The results indicate that citizens in Sweden and Romania are more committed to environmentally friendly behavior, while those in Belgium, Cyprus, France, Lithuania, and the Netherlands are less willing to change their habits. Moreover, the readiness of citizens to change their behavior also depends on socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, age, occupation, community type, household size, and pre-pandemic travel frequency.
ADVANCES IN DATA ANALYSIS AND CLASSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Business
Susana Campos, Jose G. Dias, Mario Sergio Teixeira, Ricardo Jorge Correia
Summary: This study examines the impact of intellectual capital on business performance and explores the mediating role of dynamic capabilities, network competence, technological capabilities, absorptive capabilities, and innovation performance. The findings confirm that intellectual capital indirectly affects business performance through the mediating chain. This research contributes to the understanding of the relationship between intellectual capital and Portuguese business performance.
JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
(2022)
Article
Management
Ricardo Jorge Correia, Jose G. Dias, Mario Sergio Teixeira
Summary: The study provides empirical evidence on the understanding of the relationship between market orientation and performance, through the mediating effects of both dynamic capabilities and competitive advantages. The results confirm the hypotheses regarding the mediating roles of competitive advantages and dynamic capabilities in determining business performance.
JOURNAL OF STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Business
Francesca Bassi, Jose G. Dias
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Marco Guerra, Francesca Bassi, Jose G. Dias
SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
