Paradoxical tensions in sustainable transitions en route to circular economy: the dynamic role

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this research paper is to identify and explore paradoxical tensions during sustainable transitions toward a circular economy. This is operationalized through the identification of paradoxical tensions and their occurrence within organizations, a process that is essential for advancing the understanding of sustainable transitions toward a circular economy. Such insights contribute to the development of the research field and open new opportunities for value creation within entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative action design research was conducted using five case studies of small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling observations, interviews and exploratory studies at the business premises. The action design research methodology consisted of four different stages: (i) problem formulation, (ii) building, intervention and evaluation, (iii) reflection and learning and (iv) formalization of learning. Findings The findings indicate that sustainable transitions toward a circular economy are enabled through dynamic multilevel interactions between different actors and roles, where various paradoxical tensions occur over time. This is made possible by identifying and relieving paradoxical tensions in the business, where an intermediary position is identified, which manages and relaxes tensions when strains occur in the sustainable transitions toward a circular economy. Originality/value The novelty and originality in this research paper can be found in the intermediary, which this study have labeled as the dynamic role, where individuals are identifying and relieving paradoxical tensions during sustainable transitions toward a circular economy.