The transition toward a net-zero economy depends increasingly on the manufacturing sector, particularly innovative small andmedium enterprises (SMEs) that might help mitigate environmental impacts through circular economy (CE) adoption. Despitetheir critical role, the specific organizational configurations of resources and competencies required to successfully implementCE practices remain underexplored. This study investigated how strategic capabilities, framed through the natural resource-basedview, enable circularity via the “take–make–distribute–use–recover” fields of action. A survey of 99 Italian innovative manufac-turing SMEs and a quantile regression analysis were used to examine the heterogeneity of drivers across different implementationlevels. The findings show that SMEs need behavioral, interorganizational, and technical resources and competencies to supportCE implementation across different fields of action. Resources are particularly relevant when SMEs initiate and diffuse CE prac-tices, whereas competencies sustain progress toward circularity. These insights provide a roadmap for managers and policymakersseeking to strengthen CE implementation in the context of the net-zero transition.
Implementing Circular Economy Practices in Innovative SMEs: Resources and Competencies for Engaging With Net‐Zero Transitions
Cavicchi, Caterina;Oppi, Chiara;Borghesi, Michela;Bonnini, Stefano;Vagnoni, Emidia
2026
Abstract
The transition toward a net-zero economy depends increasingly on the manufacturing sector, particularly innovative small andmedium enterprises (SMEs) that might help mitigate environmental impacts through circular economy (CE) adoption. Despitetheir critical role, the specific organizational configurations of resources and competencies required to successfully implementCE practices remain underexplored. This study investigated how strategic capabilities, framed through the natural resource-basedview, enable circularity via the “take–make–distribute–use–recover” fields of action. A survey of 99 Italian innovative manufac-turing SMEs and a quantile regression analysis were used to examine the heterogeneity of drivers across different implementationlevels. The findings show that SMEs need behavioral, interorganizational, and technical resources and competencies to supportCE implementation across different fields of action. Resources are particularly relevant when SMEs initiate and diffuse CE prac-tices, whereas competencies sustain progress toward circularity. These insights provide a roadmap for managers and policymakersseeking to strengthen CE implementation in the context of the net-zero transition.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
