Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Human Resource Management for Circular Economy and Sustainability: A Conceptual Integration

In response to global sustainability challenges and digital transformation, this conceptual paper explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human Resource Management (HRM), and Circular Economy (CE). Drawing on Resource-Based View, Stakeholder Theory, Institutional Theory, and the Socio-Technical Systems perspective, we propose an integrated framework in which AI and HRM function as complementary enablers of sustainable, circular transformation. The framework identifies enablers (e.g., green HRM, digital infrastructure), barriers (e.g., ethical concerns, skill gaps), and contextual mediators. This study contributes to sustainability and digital innovation literature and suggests practical pathways for ethically aligning workforce and AI capabilities in CE adoption.