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Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
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Interorganizational Sensemaking of the Transition Toward a Circular Value Chain
Marianne Kuhlmann1, Johannes Meuer1,2, Catharina R Bening1
1ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Organization & Environment
|September 1, 2023
Summary
Transitioning to a circular economy requires collaboration, but it
Area of Science:
- Business Management
- Sustainability Studies
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- The shift to a circular economy necessitates inter-organizational collaboration along value chains.
- Such collaborations are complex due to high uncertainty and the need for aligned strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore inter-organizational alignment processes within the flexible packaging value chain.
- To understand how sensemaking facilitates the transition from a linear to a circular economy model.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a European consortium of over 150 companies.
- Analyzed the inter-organizational sensemaking process across organizational, value chain, and ecosystem levels.
Main Results:
- Inter-organizational sensemaking occurs at multiple levels, each offering distinct reference frames.
- Power dynamics and identity considerations significantly influence alignment processes.
- Stakeholder interdependencies and collective reconceptualization are crucial for value chain transformation.
Conclusions:
- Successful transition to a circular economy depends on understanding and managing multi-level sensemaking.
- Addressing power dynamics and identity is key for effective inter-organizational alignment.
- A collective shift in perspective is vital for circular value chain development.
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