Sustainable Innovation in Strategic Entrepreneurship: Building Business Models for a Circular Economy


International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies
© 2026 by IRJEMS
Volume 5  Issue 2
Year of Publication : 2026
Authors : Riza Marisa Hermawati
irjems doi : 10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I2P111

Citation:

Riza Marisa Hermawati. "Sustainable Innovation in Strategic Entrepreneurship: Building Business Models for a Circular Economy" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 88-97, 2026. Crossref. http://doi.org/10.56472/25835238/IRJEMS-V5I2P111

Abstract:

The transition from linear to circular economy represents one of the most critical challenges and opportunities for contemporary strategic entrepreneurship. This paper explores how strategic entrepreneurial ventures can drive sustainable innovation through the development and implementation of circular business models. Drawing on contemporary case studies and empirical research, this study examines the mechanisms through which entrepreneurs integrate circular economy principles into their business strategies. The research identifies key success factors, including circular product design, reverse logistics systems, and strategic partnerships, while simultaneously addressing significant barriers such as technical expertise gaps, financial constraints, and regulatory uncertainties. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration involving government, academia, industry, and civil society in accelerating the circular economy transition. Through a systematic analysis of best practices and practical recommendations, this research contributes to understanding how entrepreneurial innovation can advance sustainable development goals while creating competitive advantage and economic value in an increasingly resource-constrained world.

References:

[1] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2015). Towards a circular economy: Business rationale for an accelerated transition. Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
[2] Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M. P., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The circular economy—A new sustainability paradigm? Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757-768.
[3] Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221-232.
[4] Lüdeke-Freund, F., & Dembek, K. (2021). Sustainable entrepreneurship as a normative framework for sustainable business model innovation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 281, 125-144.
[5] Hitt, M. A., Ireland, R. D., Camp, S. M., & Sexton, D. L. (2001). Strategic entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial strategies for wealth creation. Strategic Management Journal, 22(6‐7), 479-491.
[6] Shane, S., & Venkataraman, S. (2000). The promise of entrepreneurship as a field of research. Academy of Management Review, 25(1), 217-226.
[7] Adekunle, K. (2024). Green entrepreneurship and innovation in the circular economy framework. SSRN Electronic Journal, 4924961.
[8] Melati, K. (2021). Barriers and drivers for enterprises to transition to circular economy practices. Stockholm Environment Institute Brief.
[9] Blomsma, F., & Brennan, G. (2017). The circular economy: A user-oriented perspective. The Circular Economy and Its Implications for Society, 11, 7-28.
[10] Prieto-Sandoval, V., Jaca, C., & Ormazabal, M. (2018). Towards a consensus on the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 179, 605-615.
[11] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2015). Growth within: A circular economy vision for a competitive Europe. Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
[12] Stahel, W. R. (2019). The circular economy: A user's guide. Routledge.
[13] Bain and Company. (2025). Circular business models unlock new profit and growth. CEO Sustainability Guide 2025.
[14] Indeed Innovation. (2025). Circular business model examples for modern companies. Indeed-Innovation Insights.
[15] Miles, M. P., & Covin, J. G. (2000). Environmental marketing: A source of reputational, competitive, and financial advantage. Journal of BusinessEthics, 23(3), 299-311.
[16] Brown, T. E., & Ulijn, J. M. (Eds.). (2004). Innovation, entrepreneurship and culture: The interaction between technology, progress and economic growth. Edward Elgar Publishing.
[17] Teece, D. J. (2010). Business models, business strategy and innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2-3), 172-194.
[18] Johnson, M. W., Christensen, C. M., & Kagermann, H. (2008). Reinventing your business model. Harvard Business Review, 86(12), 50-59.
[19] Magretta, J. (2002). Why business models matter. Harvard Business Review, 80(5), 86-92.
[20] Kirzner, I. M. (1997). How markets work: Disequilibrium, entrepreneurship and discovery. IEA.
[21] Khanna, T., & Palepu, K. G. (2010). Winning in emerging markets: A road map for strategy and execution. Harvard Business Press.
[22] Cohen, B., & Winn, M. I. (2007). Market imperfections, opportunity and sustainable entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Venturing, 22(1), 29-49.
[23] Parrish, B. D. (2010). Sustainability-driven entrepreneurship: Principles of organization design. Journal of Business Venturing, 25(5), 510-523.
[24] Lüdeke-Freund, F., & Dembek, K. (2020). Sustainable entrepreneurship business models. In Handbook of sustainable entrepreneurship (pp. 343-369). Springer.
[25] Bocken, N. M. P., de Pauw, I., Bakker, C., & van der Grinten, B. (2016). Product design and business model strategies for a circular economy. Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering, 33(5), 308-320.
[26] Bain and Company. (2025). Hydro's circular aluminum strategy. Circular Business Models Insight Report.
[27] Tukker, A. (2015). Product services for a resource-efficient and circular economy. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 19(4), 478-489.
[28] Bain and Company. (2025). Trane Technologies asset-as-service model. Circular Business Models Case Study.
[29] Reconomy. (2025). Circular economy business models: Examples and implementation strategies. Sustainability Review.
[30] Indeed Innovation. (2025). H&M garment collecting program: Circular reverse logistics. Fashion Industry Analysis.
[31] Esmaeilan, B., Behdad, S., & Wang, B. (2016). The evolution and future of manufacturing: A review. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 39, 79-100.
[32] Melati, K. (2021). Technical barriers to circular economy adoption in Southeast Asian enterprises. Stockholm Environment Institute Report.
[33] Indeed Innovation. (2024). Circular economy implementation challenges and barriers. Sustainability Economics Analysis.
[34] Munir, R. (2025). The role of circular economy in green entrepreneurship: Addressing technical expertise gaps. Journal of International Sustainability, 10(2), 45-67.
[35] Badjeena, B. P. (2024). Opportunities and challenges for circular economy transition through green entrepreneurship. Environmental Entrepreneurship Journal, 15(3), 201-225.
[36] UNCTAD. (2024). Entrepreneurs riding the wave of circularity: Financial barriers and support mechanisms. UNCTAD Publication.
[37] Sustainability Economics. (2025). Why businesses can't afford to stay linear: Economic and regulatory analysis. Sustainability Economics Network.
[38] World Economic Forum. (2024). Barriers and drivers for enterprises transitioning to circular practices. Circular Economy Initiative Report.
[39] Dubey, R., Gunasekaran, A., Childe, S. J., Papadopoulos, T., Luo, Z., Wamba, S. F., & Roubaud, D. (2019). Can big data and predictive analytics improve social and environmental sustainability? Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 144, 432-445.
[40] Pan, S. L., Lee, J. N., & Cui, L. (2015). Developing firm's absorptive capacity for supply chain integration through knowledge management. International Journal of Information Management, 35(1), 51-65.
[41] Reconomy. (2025). H&M's garment collecting program: Fashion industry circular economics. Circular Business Models Review.
[42] Indeed Innovation. (2025). Fashion industry case studies: H&M and circular model implementation. Sustainability Innovation Brief.
[43] H&M. (2024). Garment collecting program: Environmental and social impact report. H&M Conscious Actions.
[44] Bain and Company. (2025). Fashion industry circular business models: H&M case analysis. Circular Strategy Report.
[45] Patagonia. (2024). Worn Wear program: Extending garment lifecycles. Sustainability Report.
[46] Bain and Company. (2025). Trane Technologies: Product-as-service circular innovation. Case Study Series.
[47] Trane Technologies. (2024). Equipment rental and circular business model implementation. Annual Sustainability Report.
[48] Tukker, A., & Tischner, U. (2006). Product-services as a research field: Past, present and future. Reflections from a decade of research. Journal of Cleaner Production, 14(17), 1552-1556.
[49] Bain and Company. (2025). Asset-as-service models: Revenue streams and circular value. Business Model Innovation Report.
[50] Trane Technologies. (2024). Building circular supply chain infrastructure. Technical Operations Report.
[51] Bain and Company. (2025). Trane's rental business growth and market expansion. Market Analysis.
[52] Bain and Company. (2025). Hydro's circular aluminum strategy and market positioning. Material Recovery Case Study.
[53] Hydro. (2024). HySort technology: Aluminum recycling and sorting innovation. Technical Innovation Report.
[54] Norsk Hydro ASA. (2024). Circular feedstock strategy: Energy savings and carbon reduction. Environmental Performance Report.
[55] Bain and Company. (2025). Low-carbon aluminum and competitive advantage in automotive markets. Sustainable Materials Analysis.
[56] Hydro. (2024). Strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers: Circular value creation. Partnership Report.
[57] Hydro. (2024). Circular feedstock market differentiation and customer value. Strategic Analysis.
[58] UNCTAD. (2024). Technical expertise requirements for circular business model transition. Entrepreneurship Development Report.
[59] Lieder, M., & Rashid, A. (2016). Towards circular economy implementation: A comprehensive review in context of manufacturing industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 115, 36-51.
[60] Melati, K. (2021). Knowledge and capacity barriers for SMEs in circular economy adoption. Stockholm Environment Institute Research.
[61] Indeed Innovation. (2024). Financial barriers to circular economy implementation. Investment and Capital Analysis.
[62] Sustainability Economics. (2025). Virgin material pricing and market distortions in linear economy. Economic Analysis Report.
[63] UNCTAD. (2024). Financial access and circular economy scaling challenges. SME Development Report.
[64] World Bank. (2023). Green finance and circular economy entrepreneurship support. Financial Inclusion Study.
[65] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). Regulatory frameworks supporting circular economy transition. Policy Analysis.
[66] UNCTAD. (2024). Policy inconsistencies and regulatory barriers to circular entrepreneurship. Policy Environment Assessment.
[67] World Economic Forum. (2024). Harmonizing circular economy standards globally. Regulatory Harmonization Initiative.
[68] UNEP. (2023). Recycling infrastructure development and public investment priorities. Global Recycling Report.
[69] Jackson, T. (2009). Prosperity without growth: Economics for a finite planet. Bloomsbury Press.
[70] Shove, E., & Spurling, N. (2013). Sustainable practices: Social theory and climate change. Routledge.
[71] Barr, S. (2007). Factors influencing environmental attitudes and behaviors: A UK case study of household waste consumers.Environment and Behavior, 39(4), 435-473.
[72] UNCTAD. (2024). Government roles in circular economy entrepreneurship support. Policy Framework Report.
[73] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). Government mechanisms for accelerating circular economy transition. Policy Toolkit.
[74] World Bank. (2023). Public financing mechanisms for circular economy ventures. Financial Innovation Report.
[75] UNEP. (2023). Shared infrastructure and public investment in circular economy. Infrastructure Development Report.
[76] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). Extended producer responsibility frameworks and circular innovation incentives. Policy Analysis.
[77] OECD. (2022). Tax policy and economic incentives for material circularity. Environmental Fiscal Reform Report.
[78] UNIDO. (2023). Public R&D investment in circular technology development. Technology Innovation Report.
[79] UNESCO. (2024). Academic contributions to circular economy knowledge creation and capacity building. Higher Education Report.
[80] Johnson, M. W. (2010). Seizing the white space: Business model innovation for growth and renewal. Harvard Business Press.
[81] UNESCO. (2024). Circular economy curriculum integration in higher education. Education Development Report.
[82] World Bank. (2023). University-affiliated incubators supporting circular economy startups. Entrepreneurship Support Analysis.
[83] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). Industry collaboration and ecosystem development for circular transition. Collaboration Framework.
[84] Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89(1/2), 62-77.
[85] World Economic Forum. (2024). Industry standards and certification systems for circular practices. Standardization Initiative.
[86] UNEP. (2024). Civil society roles in circular economy transformation. Advocacy and Engagement Report.
[87] Sherry Jr, J. F., & Fischer, E. (2018). Qualitative consumer research. In Handbook of qualitative research methods in marketing (pp. 32-48). Edward Elgar Publishing.
[88] Dryzek, J. S. (2013). The politics of the earth: Environmental discourses. Oxford University Press.
[89] Lüdeke-Freund, F. (2020). Purpose-driven business model innovation for sustainability. Journal of Business Model Innovation, 8(1), 19-42.
[90] Schaltegger, S., & Wagner, M. (2011). Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation: Categories and interactions. Business Strategy and the Environment, 20(4), 222-237.
[91] Bocken, N. M. P., Short, S. W., Rana, P., & Evans, S. (2013). A literature and practice review to develop sustainable business model archetypes. Journal of Cleaner Production, 65, 42-56.
[92] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2019). Circular economy design principles and product innovation. Design Innovation Report.
[93] Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2006). Strategy and society: The link between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility. Harvard Business Review, 84(12), 78-92.
[94] Chesbrough, H. (2003). Open innovation: The new imperative for creating and profiting from technology. Harvard Business Press.
[95] Despeisse, M., Oates, M. R., & Ball, P. D. (2013). Simulation and optimisation of remanufacturing systems with role- playing. Journal of Cleaner Production, 37, 366-376.
[96] World Economic Forum. (2024). Digital technologies enabling circular economy value chain coordination. Digital Transformation Report.
[97] GRI. (2023). Transparency and accountability in circular business model reporting. Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
[98] UNEP. (2023). Environmental impact metrics and circular economy performance measurement. Measurement and Reporting Framework.
[99] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). Harmonizing extended producer responsibility frameworks globally. Policy Harmonization Initiative.
[100] OECD. (2022). Environmental taxation and resource pricing for circular economy. Tax Policy Analysis.
[101] World Bank. (2023). Government financing mechanisms for circular economy scaling. Finance Innovation Report.
[102] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2019). Circular product design capabilities and organizational development. Capacity Building Report.
[103] Porter, M. E. (1998). Competitive advantage: Creating and sustaining superior performance. Free Press.
[104] World Economic Forum. (2024). Digital infrastructure investment for circular value chain optimization. Technology Implementation Guide.
[105] UNESCO. (2024). Circular economy competency development through curriculum integration. Education Transformation Report.
[106] UNIDO. (2024). Research center models supporting circular business innovation. Research Infrastructure Report.
[107] World Bank. (2023). University business incubation programs for circular economy ventures. Entrepreneurship Development Framework.
[108] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2023). Systemic change and multi-stakeholder collaboration for circular economy transition. Transformation Framework.
[109] Shane, S. (2012). Reflections on the 2010 AMJ decade award: Delivering on the promise of entrepreneurship research. Academy of Management Journal, 55(2), 264-274.
[110] UNDP. (2023). Circular economy contributions to sustainable development goals achievement. SDG Integration Report.

Keywords:

Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Circular Economy, Business Model Innovation, Strategic Management, Sustainable Development.