Developing A Maturity Model For Circular Business Models

By narrowing, slowing and closing resource loops, the concept of a circular economy is seen as a major lever to address global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. For the transition to a circular economy, corresponding business models act as catalysts by integrating and optimizing economic and ecological objectives. However, companies lack appropriate tools to transform existing business models or to develop new ones incorporating use cases with a focus on circularity. This paper presents the development and structure of a maturity model for circular business models that provides holistic support for companies transitioning to a circular economy. By adapting established tools of business model innovation and incorporating specific characteristics and challenges of a circular economy, the maturity model is elaborated and validated in industry. Furthermore, an approach for weighing the elements of the maturity model and deriving recommendations for actions is presented.