Circular Economy: The Key Link Between Learning Orientations and Competitive Advantage in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Among the extensive research into various environmental strategies and their effects on competitive advantage, a gap remains regarding whether small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from adopting a circular economy and what kinds of internal knowledge they need to embrace it effective...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Villegas Pinuer, Francisco, Markovic, Stefan, Sancha, Cristina, Davcik, Nebojsa, Sharma, Piyush, Llonch, Joan
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universitat Ramon Llull (URL)
Repositorio:DAU Arxiu Digital de la Universitat Ramon Llull
OAI Identifier:oai:dau.url.edu:20.500.14342/6026
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14342/6026
https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.70186
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Circular economy
Competitive advantage
Environment
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic learning orientation
SMEs
Descripción
Sumario:Among the extensive research into various environmental strategies and their effects on competitive advantage, a gap remains regarding whether small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from adopting a circular economy and what kinds of internal knowledge they need to embrace it effectively. Based on survey data from 205 SME managers, this study examines how intrinsic and extrinsic learning orientations influence circular economy adoption and competitive advantage. Using structural equation modeling, we validate that both learning orientations are important in fostering the adoption of circular economy within organizations, leading to an increased competitive advantage. Our findings highlight the need for formal knowledge-building mechanisms and internal ecosystems to support sustainable change. Overall, our study offers a guide for learning process development for practitioners, consumers, and policymakers in SME contexts.