Service-dominant logic and circular economy – An attempt at integrating two paradigms

Abstract

Based on an analysis of the core concepts of the two paradigms “Service-dominant Logic” (SDL) and “Circular Economy” (CE), this research concludes that the concepts of SDL need to be extended to cover the impacts of the use of material resources and infrastructure which are inseparable from service-for-service exchange. Consequently, SDL’s concept of “value” as something entirely subjective and contextual, should be adjusted to reflect the massive impacts of material resource use in service-for-service exchange. The research concludes that an integration between the two paradigms is possible and would be beneficial for both. It would provide SDL with a “sustainability compass” and CE with a set of productive concepts that could be helpful in the identification of areas where service intervention could support more circularity in processes and actor networks and help design and develop service models and practices in support of the transition to a circular economy.