Roles of Expertise, Knowledge, and Communication Dynamics in Circular Economy Innovation Ecosystem: Evidence from Aquaculture Plastic Equipment Industry Collaboration

Abstract The circular economy (CE) momentum has driven necessary company-level initiatives. However, a complementary ecosystem perspective recognises that circular outcomes rely on alignment among diverse actors and institutions that address complex regulatory, technological, organisational, and system-level barriers. This study examines how expertise, knowledge creation and communication dynamics are shaped within a multi-stakeholder circular innovation ecosystem for transition in plastic materials in a highly regulated sector. Using a systemic design approach, we develop an empirically grounded framework of communication dynamics in CE innovation. Our framework combines qualitative case study research with critical systems heuristics and actor-network theory. We identify five key findings: (1) communication on price and procurement differs by company size; (2) rigid standards and regulations limit recycled inputs, but collaborative projects can provide evidence to support standards changes; (3) alignment of various areas of expertise (materials science with the product design for circularity); (4) emphasised value for collaboration effort, and their dynamic role; and (5) temporal pacing and early, low-cost knowledge-building investments are critical for navigating network complexity. This study advances sector-level understanding of the transition phase for CE implementation, bridges theory–practice gaps, and offers implications for policy (standard alignment, procurement) and practice (early enrolment of designers and standard makers, cross-disciplinary boundary objects, and transition phase related investments).