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Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 29932

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrea Colantoni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University of Viterbo, Via San Camillo de Lellis, snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: energy; environment; agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Enrico Maria Mosconi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economics and Entrepreneurship (DEIM), University of Tuscia, Via del Paradiso, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: technology evaluation and corporate innovation strategies; environmental aspects and production processes; economic study and implementation of new organizational models; quality instruments for the enterprise innovation management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Marco Marconi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: eco-design; life cycle assessment; design for additive manufacturing; sustainable manufacturing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Donato Morea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo, 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: renewable energy; investment analysis; project financing; public-private partnership; islamic finance; agricultural economics; circular economy; corporate social responsibility; productivity analysis; organizational models; digital innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mattia Mattia Pellegrini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
DG Environment at European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
Interests: International Regulations; Environmental Models; Waste Management; Critical Raw Materials; Circular Economy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue is to explore new circular economy findings and approaches for the achievement of the sustainability goals for the green transformation and the blue growth toward the collaborative-design paradigm, thus extending previous academic and managerial knowledge. We encourage submissions investigating the application of circular economy models in both theoretical and practical approaches to the industrial challenge.

The common ground of circularity has the potential to cross resource-intensive sectors: the field of renewable energy, agriculture, marine, maritime industries, and infrastructure. It also has the potential to trigger innovation paths for new sustainable products and strategic actions under the critical raw materials viewpoint. The intersectoral challenge in reaching the ambitious objective of the circular approach also mixes the digital integration in design with the application of circularity. We welcome articles that address consumer behavior, circular design approaches and waste management, environmental, social and economic assessment, green claims and certification, new hybrid managing models, and evaluation of the entrepreneurial risks in light of the achievement of sustainability goals. Preference will be shown for work that is novel, applicable, and that with a breadth of multidisciplinarity, captures best practices as well as systemic principles, and reflects the state of the art. Papers selected for this Special Issue will be subject to a rigorous peer review with the goal of the rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications. 

Prof. Dr. Andrea Colantoni
Prof. Dr. Enrico Maria Mosconi
Prof. Marco Marconi
Prof. Dr. Donato Morea
Dr. Mattia Mattia Pellegrini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • circular economy
  • eco-design
  • green transformation
  • blue growth
  • renewable energy
  • critical raw materials
  • resource-intensive sectors
  • digital innovation

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 842 KiB  
Article
Research on the Practical Path of Resource-Based Enterprises to Improve Environmental Efficiency in Digital Transformation
by Tianshun Ruan, Ying Gu, Xinhao Li and Rong Qu
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13974; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113974 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
Increasingly serious environmental problems force resource-based enterprises to find effective means to break through the original resource dilemma. With the acceleration of the digital transformation process, digital technology can guarantee the green transformation process and realize the sustainable development of economic growth and [...] Read more.
Increasingly serious environmental problems force resource-based enterprises to find effective means to break through the original resource dilemma. With the acceleration of the digital transformation process, digital technology can guarantee the green transformation process and realize the sustainable development of economic growth and environmental protection. Based on the perspective of efficiency, this paper selects 46 resource-based enterprises as research object, adopts a strategic triangle research framework of “operational capability–policy environment–value objective” and, through the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method, analyzes the formation mechanism and practice pathways of sustainable development in the resource-based enterprises’ digital transformation. Research suggests that: (1) The realization path of high-level enterprise environmental efficiency includes four configurations: technology guarantee type, strategy driven type, pressure lead type and policy pulled type. (2) The characteristics and strategies of resource-based enterprises using digital technology to deal with changes in the business environment and achieve sustainable development can be divided into two models: the “capability-oriented” model and “environment-oriented” model. (3) The heterogeneity study shows that the green development of the power supply industry and the material processing industry is more suitable for the “capability-oriented” model, and the green development of the iron and steel manufacturing industry and energy extraction industry is more suitable for the “environment-oriented” model. The research results can provide a new theoretical perspective and strategy for resource-based enterprises to use digital technology for green development and provide a new optimization pathway for China’s industrial practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth)
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22 pages, 1036 KiB  
Article
The Spatial Effect of Financial Innovation on Intellectualized Transformational Upgrading of Manufacturing Industry: An Empirical Evidence from China
by Juanmei Zhou, Fenfang Cui and Wenli Wang
Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137665 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Financial innovation is a powerful source to promote the intellectualized transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry. At present, the influence mechanism behind the impact of financial innovation on the manufacturing industry is still unclear and lacks quantitative analysis. This paper selects the [...] Read more.
Financial innovation is a powerful source to promote the intellectualized transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry. At present, the influence mechanism behind the impact of financial innovation on the manufacturing industry is still unclear and lacks quantitative analysis. This paper selects the representative indicators to study the spatial effect of financial innovation on the intelligent transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry based on China’s provincial panel data from 2008 to 2019 by using entropy method, the DEA model, and the spatial econometric model. The results show the following: (1) the overall level of the intellectualized transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry has gradually improved, but the spatial distribution is uneven, which has a strong spatial correlation with financial innovation; (2) according to the estimation of the spatial Dobbin model, financial innovation has a significant positive spillover effect on the intellectualization of the manufacturing industry, not only in the region in which it is located, but also in adjacent regions, and the former is greater than the latter; (3) consumption demand, capital allocation, and technological innovation are the three main mediating mechanisms. Finally, according to the findings, we put forward some suggestions and conclusions. This paper provides a positive reference for further promoting the intelligent upgrading of the manufacturing industry from the perspective of financial innovation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth)
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16 pages, 579 KiB  
Article
Toward a Conceptual Framework to Foster Green Entrepreneurship Growth in the Agriculture Industry
by Marco Savastano, Altaf Hussain Samo, Nisar Ahmed Channa and Carlo Amendola
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4089; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074089 - 30 Mar 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3947
Abstract
In recent times, the importance of green entrepreneurship in the socio-economic development, environmental management, and prosperity of underprivileged societies has widely been acknowledged by both academics and policymakers alike. Despite this importance, there is a lack of research on what the external and [...] Read more.
In recent times, the importance of green entrepreneurship in the socio-economic development, environmental management, and prosperity of underprivileged societies has widely been acknowledged by both academics and policymakers alike. Despite this importance, there is a lack of research on what the external and internal factors that support and foster the growth of green agricultural ventures are. This research aims to propose a framework suggesting factors that play a significant role in flourishment of green enterprises, with a focus on developing countries. Through an extensive review and in-depth analysis of the existing literature in the fields of green entrepreneurship and agriculture, we propose a conceptual framework highlighting the internal and external factors that, when strategically aligned, foster the growth of green agricultural enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth)
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13 pages, 2774 KiB  
Article
Innovative Industrial Use of Bamboo as Key “Green” Material
by Piotr F. Borowski, Iaroslav Patuk and Erick R. Bandala
Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14041955 - 09 Feb 2022
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 12552
Abstract
This study investigates the use of bamboo in different industrial sectors, including construction and energy, to highlight its mechanical properties, resources, and innovative use through information gathered from Ethiopia, Guinea, and Georgia (Caucasus) as study cases. Research shows that bamboo is a common [...] Read more.
This study investigates the use of bamboo in different industrial sectors, including construction and energy, to highlight its mechanical properties, resources, and innovative use through information gathered from Ethiopia, Guinea, and Georgia (Caucasus) as study cases. Research shows that bamboo is a common plant and an easily accessible material possessing remarkable characteristics for different applications in different countries. The main goal of this study is to highlight the properties of bamboo that make it an interesting material with applications in several economic branches as a green material positively influencing the environment. The results of this study show a utilitarian use of bamboo in industries where production is based on bamboo or bamboo-related materials and wide possibilities for using bamboo in innovative and creative ways. Bamboo’s mechanical and physicochemical properties are discussed as well as its potential as a raw material for use in composites or for the production and processing of semi-finished products and parts of end devices, all with a view to its positive environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth)
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20 pages, 2336 KiB  
Article
Circular Economy Impact Analysis on Stock Performances: An Empirical Comparison with the Euro Stoxx 50® ESG Index
by Donato Morea, Fabiomassimo Mango, Mavie Cardi, Cosimo Paccione and Lucilla Bittucci
Sustainability 2022, 14(2), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020843 - 12 Jan 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4030
Abstract
Environmental issues have a considerable impact in all economic sectors, also influencing financial markets. As a result, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) awareness is rising in the financial sector. In this perspective, the concept of circular economy (CE) assumes central relevance. The aim [...] Read more.
Environmental issues have a considerable impact in all economic sectors, also influencing financial markets. As a result, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) awareness is rising in the financial sector. In this perspective, the concept of circular economy (CE) assumes central relevance. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between CE strategies and market performance; to this end, we use ESG scores as a proxy for CE. Our initial assumption is that since CE is a component of the “E” factor—in that it can generate positive and measurable environmental impacts—then it can be associated with the ESG score. Therefore, we can methodologically overcome the lack of a specific score related to CE. We use a preselection model based on historical performance by verifying the percentages of the presence of stocks in the two selected indices, namely ESG Euro Stoxx 50® and Euro Stoxx 50-ESG. Overall, we find that ESG profiles have a positive impact on stock performance, although ESG scores do not express higher performance per se. Furthermore, our analysis shows that, to date, there is no evidence that CE initiatives can influence stock returns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth)
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21 pages, 1619 KiB  
Article
Multi-Actor Governance for a Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector: Bio-Districts
by Stefano Poponi, Gabriella Arcese, Enrico Maria Mosconi, Francesco Pacchera, Olimpia Martucci and Grazia Chiara Elmo
Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4718; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094718 - 23 Apr 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4005
Abstract
The transition of the European agri-food sector towards a sustainable production and consumption model is a key element of the Green Deal. The new European “Farm to Fork” strategy aims to make the food system fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. The consolidation and [...] Read more.
The transition of the European agri-food sector towards a sustainable production and consumption model is a key element of the Green Deal. The new European “Farm to Fork” strategy aims to make the food system fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly. The consolidation and development of the organic model are two of the main objectives. In Italy, this development can be achieved through the Bio-District model. This model, which was born in the last ten years in Italy, is characterized by innovative multi-actor governance. From an explorative perspective, this study analyses the background literature on Bio-Districts and the context of the development of the Etruscan Roman Bio-District to understand the potential and the factors that allow the application of the principles of the Circular Economy. It focuses on multiple comparative analyses by using a qualitative–quantitative approach. The analysis of the context highlights the potential for expansion linked to an integrated short supply chain through three scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy: Innovative Approaches to Circularity Toward Green Transformation and Blue Growth)
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