The Mediation of Drivers and Practices to Overcome Barriers to the Circular Economy

Authors

  • Víctor Manuel Molina-Morejón Research Professor at the Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Empresarial Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (UAdeC),Coahuila de Zaragoza, México https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9124-0840
  • Gonzalo Maldonado-Guzmán Research Professor at the Centro de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA) Aguascalientes, México https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8814-6415
  • Laura Fernández-Contreras. PhD. Student from the Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Empresarial Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (UAdeC) Coahuila de Zaragoza, México https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1595-9452

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55965/setp.4.08.a2

Keywords:

circular economy capabilities, circular design, SMEs, mediator, PLS-SEM

Abstract

Context. This study focuses on the manufacturing industry in Coahuila, particularly micro and small businesses known for their labor intensity and minimal input use. These businesses have significant potential to integrate into the circular economy by reducing natural resource and energy consumption through open innovation.

Problem. The main challenge in adopting a circular economy is overcoming barriers to shifting from a linear model. This research aims to identify the drivers and practices that facilitate this transition. Specifically, it investigates how these drivers and practices enable SMEs to develop circular economy capabilities and overcome existing barriers.

Purpose. The study's objective is to explore and implement the drivers and practices that address circular economy barriers and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within an open innovation framework and using a multidisciplinary approach.

Methodology. Initially, qualitative research involving entrepreneurs, academics, and researchers identified barriers and drivers. This was followed by quantitative research, including a survey conducted in April and May 2023 with 124 responses. Nine out of ten hypotheses were supported, and SMART PLS was used for hypothesis testing, managing multiple statistical criteria.

Theoretical and Practical Findings. The study's primary finding was the role of innovative actions in mediation theory. Practically, it validated the relationships between barriers and the capabilities of the circular economy concept.

Originality from a multidisciplinary and sustainable innovation point of view. This research innovatively and multidisciplinary addressed circular economy challenges within the framework of sustainable development goals.

Conclusions and limitations. The hypotheses and predictive values validated the innovative impact of mediating drivers and practices on circular economy capabilities. Limitations included potential biases in sample selection.

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Author Biographies

Víctor Manuel Molina-Morejón, Research Professor at the Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Empresarial Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (UAdeC),Coahuila de Zaragoza, México

Research Professor at the Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Empresarial Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (UAdeC), Coahuila de Zaragoza, México

Gonzalo Maldonado-Guzmán, Research Professor at the Centro de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA) Aguascalientes, México

Research Professor at the Centro de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA) Aguascalientes, México

Laura Fernández-Contreras., PhD. Student from the Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Empresarial Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (UAdeC) Coahuila de Zaragoza, México

PhD. Student from the Centro de Investigación para el Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Empresarial Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (UAdeC) Coahuila de Zaragoza, México

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Published

2024-08-25

How to Cite

Molina-Morejón, V. M., Maldonado-Guzmán, G., & Fernández-Contreras., L. (2024). The Mediation of Drivers and Practices to Overcome Barriers to the Circular Economy. Scientia Et PRAXIS, 4(08), 28–63. https://doi.org/10.55965/setp.4.08.a2

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Scientific Articles

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