Industry 4.0 and the Circular Economy: Integration Opportunities Generated by Startups

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the adoption and implementation of technologies related to Industry 4.0 and the integration with circular economy (CE) to minimize the effects of resource scarcity in emergency situations. Method: The study was developed in two stages: The first consists of a systematic review of the literature for analytical categorization of the technologies of Industry 4.0 that can be useful for implementation in the circular economy. In the second step, empirical validation was carried out with 45 foodtech startups from the agribusiness value chain, farm to table, reuse, and waste management and disposal segments. Results: The contributions of the study show that: (i) The business models of startups in the food segment are closely aligned with the assumptions of circular economy. (ii) The technologies of industry 4.0 are supporting the implementation of circular economy in foodtech companies. (iii) Digitization, traceability, software as a service, traceability, digital solutions, and shared platforms occupy the leadership in the interface between CE and industry 4.0. (iv) Partnerships are strategic elements in the creation of innovative ecosystems for the success of foodtech startups. Conclusions: We conclude this paper with a diagnosis about companies involved in the foodtech segment in addition to the proposition of a business and sectorial agenda to consolidate the Industry 4.0 technologies in order to promote circular economy.

The Circular Economy, the SMEs, and the State: How to Govern a Circular Institutional Change Process?

“…Pizzi et al (2021) maintain that digital platforms could provide the start-up CE firms with a high degree of flexibility through which they could deal with the above-mentioned structural dependence problem and develop circular ecosystems. In the same vein, Silva and Sehnem (2022) 2020) for the European SMEs. In general, the SMEs depend on the existing technology in the LE system contrary to multinational companies which could achieve circular technology development through their R&D activities (Rizos et al, 2016).…”

Toward a circular tourism industry: the importance of a start-up ecosystem

“…Cooperation between companies and cross-company circular ecosystems is essential to overcoming this barrier, and start-ups can play a significant role in facilitating this cooperation. Silva and Sehnem (2022) emphasize partnerships as a critical element in the creation of innovative ecosystems.…”

“…A survey was administered to obtain a preliminary understanding, via primary data, about the connection between the abovementioned population of start-ups and companies/organizations in the tourism industry. The key issue here was to explore what Silva and Sehnem (2022) refer to as support for the implementation of circular economic principles. The questionnaire was structured in three blocks (ten items in total):The first (three items) related to the respondent's profile;The second (the next three questions) explores the link between the start-up and the tourism sector;The third section explores future orientation (the expected potential link) andTo conclude, a final open item was available for any comment or clarification.…”

“…Cooperation between companies and cross-company circular ecosystems is essential to overcoming this barrier, and start-ups can play a significant role in facilitating this cooperation. Silva and Sehnem (2022) emphasize partnerships as a critical element in the creation of innovative ecosystems. Pencarelli (2020) notes that tourism ecosystems must not only consider digital innovations but also embrace smart tourism perspectives such as sustainability, the circular economy, quality of life and social value.…”

“…A survey was administered to obtain a preliminary understanding, via primary data, about the connection between the abovementioned population of start-ups and companies/ organizations in the tourism industry. The key issue here was to explore what Silva and Sehnem (2022) refer to as support for the implementation of circular economic principles. The questionnaire was structured in three blocks (ten items in total):…”