Beyond the Silos: A Systematic Review Mapping the Spectrum of Innovation in the Circular Economy From a Management Perspective

Abstract

The focus on the circular economy ( CE ) has grown recently as a regenerative alternative to the linear economic model, seeking to eliminate waste and enable resource efficiency. Innovation is widely recognized as central to enabling organizational CE transitions; however, the CE innovation literature remains fragmented, with different dimensions examined in isolation. Addressing this gap, this study systematically reviews the management literature on CE and innovation using the PRISMA protocol, complemented by bibliometric and qualitative content analyses. The review maps the intellectual structure of the field and develops an integrated framework that organizes CE innovation into five major categories. The findings show that CE transitions are enabled through multiple pathways, including business model innovation, ecoinnovation, product, process, supply chain, and digitally enabled innovations. A key insight is that Industry 4.0 technologies are emerging as a cross‐cutting driver across each category. The study contributes by moving beyond siloed investigation of CE innovation and providing a structured foundation for theory building and future empirical inquiry. Finally, this paper presents avenues for future research under each theme identified.