Unveiling success factors for implementing and sustaining circular economy practices in small and medium-sized firms: multi-level perspective

Purpose: This study aims to identify and understand critical success factors for implementing and sustaining circular economy (CE) practices in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More precisely, this study examines the complex interplay between micro-, meso- and macro-level success factors that are deemed critical for implementing and sustaining CE practices. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a two-stage methodology that combines a comprehensive literature review and an interview study with 12 Swedish manufacturing SMEs that implement CE practices. Findings: The study identifies and categorizes success factors for implementing and sustaining CE practices in manufacturing SMEs. Based on the findings, a holistic framework is proposed that takes into account multiple perspectives, i.e. at the micro, meso and macro levels. This framework enables a deeper understanding and thus a more nuanced discussion of the complexity inherent in the transition to a CE from the perspective of manufacturing SMEs. Originality/value: This study contributes to the growing body of research on CE transition. By focusing on SMEs in particular, the paper adds the needed diversity to the study of CE practices and influencing factors at different levels.