A recent article by Muzamwese, et al., (2024) titled “The Role of Sustainable Business Networks in Promoting a Circular Economy in Africa—A Systematic Literature Review” published in Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, shows that networks need to adopt suitable business models, evaluation methods, and best practices to ensure their sustainability and scalability.
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Sustainable business networks play a pivotal role in advancing the Circular Economy in Africa by fostering collaboration and innovation.– Muzamwese, et al., 2023
This study explores the role of sustainable business networks in promoting a Circular Economy (CE) in Africa, based on a systematic literature review. The study aims to define the concepts of CE, Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), and explain how they are related to sustainable development and industrial transformation. The authors also delve into analyzing the existing literature on sustainable business networks and their functions, benefits, challenges, and impacts on CE adoption in different contexts, especially in developing and transition countries. The authors identify the knowledge gaps and research opportunities for further studies on network collaboration for CE in Africa, where the implementation of CE is still low and faces multiple barriers, therefore, provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on how to foster and evaluate effective network collaboration for CE in Africa and beyond.
How the Study was Conducted
The authors employed a systematic literature search utilizing scientific databases like Web of Science and Scopus, employing keywords associated with networks, collaboration, and circular economy and meticulously screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of articles, ultimately selecting 50 pertinent articles for review. In addition to academic articles, the authors scrutinized project reports, network briefings, charters, and proceedings from networking conferences across various networks. This comprehensive document review yielded valuable insights into network performance, activities, and impact. Utilizing case study research methods, the authors delved into the depth and breadth of network experiences and outcomes across diverse contexts. The authors employed a blend of quantitative and qualitative data sourced directly from network materials, ensuring a multifaceted analysis of network dynamics and effectiveness.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that:
- Networks can facilitate knowledge sharing, innovation transfer, policy influence, and collaboration among various stakeholders for a CE transition.
- Networks face several challenges and barriers, such as lack of financial resources, governance structures, legal frameworks, and contextual factors, that affect their effectiveness and impact.
- Networks need to adopt suitable business models, evaluation methods, and best practices to ensure their sustainability and scalability.
- There is a limited research on networks in developing regions, especially in Africa, and more empirical and theoretical studies are needed to understand their dynamics and outcomes.
Why is this Important
Environmental Impact: Circular economy practices aim to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental harm. By fostering collaboration through networks, businesses can collectively work towards sustainable production, consumption, and waste management. This has a direct positive impact on the environment by reducing pollution, conserving energy, and preserving natural ecosystems.
Economic Growth: CE practices can lead to economic growth by creating new business opportunities, generating jobs, and enhancing resource efficiency. Sustainable business networks facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, and market access, which contribute to economic development in Africa.
Social Benefits: CE networks involve various stakeholders, including businesses, governments, NGOs, and local communities. By working together, they can address social challenges such as poverty reduction, improved livelihoods, and equitable distribution of resources. For instance, circular business models that promote recycling and upcycling can create employment opportunities for marginalized communities.
Resilience and Adaptability: In a rapidly changing world, businesses need to adapt to new regulations, consumer preferences, and global challenges. Sustainable networks provide a platform for learning, capacity-building, and resilience. They enable businesses to stay informed, collaborate on solutions, and navigate uncertainties effectively.
Policy Influence: Networks can advocate for policy changes that support CE principles. By pooling resources and expertise, they can influence policymakers to create an enabling environment for circular practices. This includes incentives, regulations, and infrastructure investments that promote sustainable business models.
Knowledge Sharing: CE networks facilitate the exchange of best practices, case studies, and research findings. Businesses can learn from each other’s successes and failures, accelerating the adoption of circular practices. This collective learning contributes to a more informed and effective transition towards a circular economy.
What the Authors Recommend
- The authors suggest that further research on business models for sustainable business networks in delivering a circular economy, especially in developing regions such as Africa should be focused.
- The authors also recommend an assessment of the effect of legal status and governance structure on the effectiveness of sustainable business networks.
- Further research on the other causal factors influencing a circular economy transition, such as legal, financial, technological, social, and policy factors.
- In addition, the study posits that evaluation of the performance, impact, and change of sustainable business networks in promoting a circular economy in different contexts and sectors should be implemented.
In conclusion, the study underscores the pivotal role of sustainable business networks in driving the adoption of Circular Economy principles in Africa and beyond. Through meticulous research and analysis, the authors shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and essential elements necessary for the successful implementation of circular practices. As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to heed the insights provided and collaborate effectively to foster a circular economy that not only preserves our planet’s resources but also promotes inclusive economic growth and social well-being. Embracing innovation, sharing knowledge, and advocating for supportive policies are crucial steps towards realizing the transformative potential of sustainable business networks in shaping a more resilient and equitable world for generations to come.
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
