What is a circular economy champion? Defining a home-grown concept in an emerging field

Circular economy, which aims to keep resources in production cycles and minimize waste, has emerged as a viable alternative to the traditional linear model. However, it is often criticized for being under-theorized and lacking indigenous, home-grown concepts, particularly regarding fundamental elements such as actors and actor types. This paper focuses on a specific actor: the circular economy champion. Circular economy champions can drive the transition toward a more circular economy, yet the concept remains under-conceptualized despite a growing body of literature. The aims of this study are twofold: first, to highlight the importance of home-grown concepts in emerging fields; and second, to address the ambiguity surrounding the terminology of “circular economy champion” by providing a novel conceptualization. The paper develops this concept using a family resemblance approach, employing differentiation criteria through a piecemeal method and underpinned by a theoretical review of the literature. By extending both the scope of actor types and, based on their traits, the range of their attributes, activities, and contributions to the circular economy, the concept of the circular economy champion is further delineated from related constructs and firmly defined. This contributes to circular economy discourse by proposing a novel definition of a key actor within the circular economy system, thus strengthening its theoretical foundations. Moreover, the proposed definition reduces ambiguity in understanding actors’ roles within the circular economy, further clarifying its microfoundations. • Advances CE theory by reducing ambiguity in actor-related terminology. • Calls for the need for home-grown concepts in emerging fields. • Proposes a novel concept: the Circular Economy Champion (CeC). • Applies family resemblance and piecemeal methods for concept construction. • Defines a Circular Economy Champion across traits, goals, and entity types.