Circular Economy Matchmaking Framework for Future Marketplace Deployment

Abstract

Online marketplaces enable cooperation between potential stakeholders by supporting offer and demand identification at the secondary raw material markets. The use of marketplaces facilitates communication between supply chain actors operating within the same or different industry sectors and enables detection of ways to close the loop of their products. This research investigated which criteria to use for the circular cooperation matching of companies in the context of a marketplace. These criteria were used for the development of a circular economy (CE) matchmaking framework based on a multi-level approach and relevance scoring between the users. The multi-level approach is based on the following criteria: (i) the compliance with circular economy principles, (ii) the material flows analysis, (iii) the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport. Based on those aspects a Total Relevance Score (TRS) between the stakeholders is calculated. The Total Relevance Score indicates the possibility for successful circular cooperation between two partners who are willing to close their loops with the best possible match. The logic behind the proposed circular economy matchmaking framework is illustrated by four cases using data collected from companies. Recommendations for further deployment are proposed. The developed framework, by incorporating circular economy principles for the first time within the matching algorithm, provides the opportunity for interested stakeholders for more tailored matching and increases their possibilities of finding a perfect match on the secondary raw materials market in terms of circularity. A similar approach has not yet been reported in the literature. The circular economy matchmaking framework constitutes a theoretical basis of an online marketplace to be developed.

Industrial symbiosis marketplace concept for waste valorization pathways

“…In this section, the methodology that led to the design of the conceptual framework, applied in this study is presented briefly. This research work is an expansion of the CE matchmaking framework proposed by [7] to IS. A non-systematic, targeted literature search was performed to appropriately address the topic of IS, utilizing among others, papers and knowledge gained during preparation of a previously performed by our team systematic literature review [8], for the adjustment of the CE matchmaking framework for IS.…”

“…A non-systematic, targeted literature search was performed to appropriately address the topic of IS, utilizing among others, papers and knowledge gained during preparation of a previously performed by our team systematic literature review [8], for the adjustment of the CE matchmaking framework for IS. For the design of level A of the framework, a set of questions targeting the stakeholders' adoption level of IS practices was developed according to identified studies employing questionnaires related to IS [2], [7], [9]- [11]. For the selection of the benchmarks used within the proposed framework, studies deliberating on matchmaking criteria were identified and further utilized in the design of levels B and C [2], [5], [6], [10], [12]- [14].…”

“…The marketplace users are asked to self-assess their company using responses reflecting the spectrum of maturity levels, choosing one out of the four qualitative answers: (1) Not involved, (2) Engaged at ad-hoc levels, (3) Beginning to engage in a more systematic way, (4) Well embedded. These answers are introduced by [16], with one additional response option, as presented in [7]. Subscore A is an indicator of the similarity of two potential partners in terms of their readiness to adopt IS and is calculated by comparing responses to the answers provided by potential pairs of users.…”

“…Advancement of those tools is attempted, by providing effective recommendations according to the economic and environmental impact of the proposed symbiotic partnerships [1], [3], [5]. Moreover, tools have been identified that envisage to estimate the compatibility of potential partners from a holistic point of view, by embedding qualitative information such as companies' interests, incentives and long-term managerial orientation [6], [7], [8]. One research work that incorporates companies' strategy in the matchmaking procedure is introduced by Łękawska-Andrinopoulou, 2021, proposing the Circular Economy (CE) matchmaking framework.…”

“…One research work that incorporates companies' strategy in the matchmaking procedure is introduced by Łękawska-Andrinopoulou, 2021, proposing the Circular Economy (CE) matchmaking framework. A comprehensive concept for matching compatible partners is presented, which integrates the similarity of two users in terms of CE principles' embracement within the algorithm [7]. Based on this work and considering that no digital tool incorporating the extent of adoption of IS practices in the matchmaking process was identified, this study aimed to address this research gap.…”