An Integrative Model for Resilience Through Circular Business Models: Insights Using a Multilevel Perspective

ABSTRACT This study investigates how circular business models (CBMs) can lead to resilience. Despite the increasing number of CBM studies, they have not fully addressed the need for resilience. As such, we employ a multilevel perspective to reveal the existing and potential relationships between CBMs and resilience under the sustainability umbrella. A two‐stage methodological approach was adopted by reviewing 125 published studies to unpack the way these constructs are interconnected, and interviewing experts to have an up‐to‐date perspective about CBMs and resilience. Data were analyzed using content analysis and organized through the CBM canvas to illustrate our results on value creation, proposition, delivery, capture, and resilience capabilities. The findings show that scholars often focus on narrow elements of environmental or economic sustainability and neglect the effective impact of circularity in various contexts. In parallel, experts reinforce how CBMs are context dependent and must urgently tackle climate change. An integrative model based on our analysis was developed to represent how CBMs can be aligned with resilience across multiple levels. This model extends our theoretical understanding of ways to fit resilience into CBMs and can help practitioners identify pathways for moving forward to achieve a circular economy.