Structure and Dynamics in Circular-Oriented Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the structure and dynamics of circular-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems that facilitate the transformation to a circular economy. It examines the role of intermediaries in circular-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems in contributing to the circular nexus on three levels of analysis: macro, meso, and micro. The study contributes to the existing literature on circular-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems by conceptualizing the structure and dynamics within such ecosystems. To this end, a social network analysis has been conducted to identify key actors and dynamics within circular entrepreneurial ecosystems at the micro-, meso- and macro-level. This has provided insights into the strengths and deficiencies of entrepreneurial ecosystems in supporting the circular transformation, highlighting the key role of intermediaries, including, but not limited to, accelerators, incubators, initiatives, awards, and networks. A systematic literature review has been performed to determine intermediaries' influence on the circular transformation. The results provide novel implications for the concept of circular-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems and explore the role of intermediaries in an entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding circular startups. ... mehrBased on these findings, this research derives future pathways to shape circular-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems to foster circular economy transformation.