Suchergebnisse

AbstractCircular economies can, at best, contribute to sustainable development. Nevertheless, the realisation of positive social and environmental impacts depends partially on the dynamics of actors' inclusion in circular processes. We identify factors affecting the inclusion of farmers in agricultural residue supply chains in India and the socio‐ecological impacts thereof. We also introduce a framework for designing inclusive and just circular practices. Information, resources, co‐operation, and co‐design act as mediators to socio‐ecological impacts. The failure to consider these aspects may lead to unintended negative consequences, such as declined soil health or delays in other operations. The positive outcomes of selling the residue are linked to improved livelihood opportunities, local development and health. Selling is only a partial solution, and other straw management methods, such as incorporation, should also be applied.

AbstractTo foster sustainable development, transition to circular economy should happen globally. Lately, however, the implementation of circular solutions has been particularly slow in the developing countries where these solutions could bring about particularly positive changes. A successful circular solution couples technical functionality with business model relevance. In developing countries, the implementation of circular solutions reveals sustainability tensions that originate in resource scarcity, institutional voids, and market affordability. We have studied implementation of circular solutions that small companies operating in these conditions have developed. The systematic analysis of 79 cases shows how sustainability tensions influence on companies' everyday business conduct and their long‐term strategic orientation toward circular economy. We have also identified commonly applied business model features that allow companies to cope with the sustainability tensions. These features include: (1) locally tailored value proposition, (2) collective action approach in value creation, and (3) creativity in value capture. Ultimately, locally functional, embedded, and widely accepted circular solutions have potential to facilitate wider socio‐technical transitions toward more sustainable business practices.

This article presents a comparative study of the urban water and energy sectors in the coastal city of Walvis Bay in Namibia, where the rapid urbanization places pressure on public infrastructure development. A multidata approach is used to study the ability of the energy and water sectors to adapt to this pressure. Theoretically, the analysis is guided by the systems transition framework. A comparison between the two regimes is made on four dimensions: (1) regime dynamics, (2) level of complexity, (3) level of coordination, and (4) multiplicity of perceptions. The energy regime was found to be more capable of transitioning towards more sustainable practices due to better outcomes in multi-stakeholder engagement, a higher level of transparency, and differing landscape and niche development. The energy regime is also more open for new service providers. The water regime, on the other hand, suffers from overlapping roles and practices as well as non-existent monitoring authorities, which together negatively affect the regime's transition potential. Both regimes suffer from lack of funding and weak institutional capacities. In conclusion, the transition potential of the studied regimes is found to increase when cross-sectoral governance is strengthened.