Rethinking Innovation for the Circular Economy transition

Important results from the project

A maturity model has been developed and tested with partners. In particular, the model has been developed with regard to addressing issues related to innovation management, management controls, and dynamic capabilities. Together with suggestions for how the model can be used, there is a framework for initiating and leading a transition to a circular economy that is theoretically supported. The model combines theory in innovation management and circular economy and advocates an approach starting in norms, strategies, operational activities and actively managing innovation.

Expected long term effects

An extensive interview study has been carried out in the three partners which has formed base for an analysis in relation to the maturity model. For partners, the analysis has been used as state-of-art-analysis, confirmation of selected activities, and as ground for defining an action plan. The model has been further refined based on experience in practice. All partners have increased ability to lead the transition to a circular economy. The maturity model and experiences from the practical cases are used in education at advanced and postgraduate level as well as for lifelong learning.

Approach and implementation

The project has overall been carried out according to plan. Resources for interviews were allocated when one company was added to the project. Planned focus groups were made before we finalized the project with a comprehensive data analysis and publications production, which made it possible by extension of project time plan. We have had good interactivity with business partners with the challenges that often arise with changes in conditions (e.g. new case, change in contact person following retirement), but nothing that has hindered the completion of the project.