A Research Model for Circular Business Models - Antecedents, Moderators, and Outcomes

The concept of circular business models, defined as firm activities to create and capture value in a circular manner by, for example, extending or continuously reusing product materials, has received increasing attention in management research. The emerging literature, however, lacks theoretical underpinning and empirical findings are not cumulative. Therefore, this article analyzes existing and related research in much detail and presents a comprehensive research model on antecedents, moderators, and outcomes of circular business models. The theories and related research streams considered for the research framework include Institutional Theory, Managerial Cognition, Dynamic Capabilities, Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Model Innovation, and Ecosystems. Gaps within and across the respective research streams concerning circular business models are revealed, and relevant avenues for future research are suggested.