Measuring Circularity: The Gordian Knot of the 21st Century

Authors Arjen Wierikx, Pascal Ravesteijn, Néomie Raassens, Alex Alblas
Published in Communications of the IIMA
Publication date 2022
Research groups Procesinnovatie & informatiesystemen
Type Article

Summary

Organizations are currently facing substantial challenges regarding becoming circular by 2050 – also referred to as Circular Economy (CE). Subsequently, increasing complexity on all organizational levels creates uncertainty about respective organizational and technological capabilities and adequate strategies to develop these capabilities. Organizations are struggling in picking up the CE ambitions and answering the what’s in it for me question. Scholars are developing models and frameworks to enable organizations to measure CE performance. Over 125 assessment methods are available for micro level assessment – measuring up to 365 different metrics. Moreover, extant literature is available presenting barriers and opportunities for CE transformation focusing on industry, sector, region, etc. And, although a more holistic perspective is required to become circular mature, this is currently lacking. In this paper we present a multi-methodology view on approaches and how they are used (or not). Our main goal is to extend the existing body of knowledge with an eye on applicability and research directions to untie the Gordian knot of measuring circularity.

On this publication contributed

  • Arjen Wierikx
    Arjen Wierikx
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Procesinnovatie & informatiesystemen
  • Pascal Ravesteijn | lector | Procesinnovatie en Informatiesystemen
    Pascal Ravesteijn
    • Lector
    • Research group: Procesinnovatie & informatiesystemen

Language Engels
Published in Communications of the IIMA
Year and volume Vol. 20 Iss. 2, Article 3
Key words circular economy, sustainable development, assessment, holistic view, transformation
Digital Object Identifier 10.58729/1941-6687.1439

Arjen Wierikx

Arjen Wierikx

Arjen Wierikx

  • Onderzoeker
  • Research group: Procesinnovatie & informatiesystemen