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The Circular Transformation: How Intrapreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems Reshape Enterprises

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The transition to a Circular Economy (CE) offers a vital pathway for traditional enterprises seeking to meet rising sustainability demands. In practice, many enterprises navigate this transition through hybrid models, blending circular initiatives with existing linear structures as part of an incremental evolution. Organizational complexity further shapes this progression, making internal innovation and strategic collaboration essential. This study explores how environmental awareness, intrapreneurship, and innovation ecosystems enable CE adoption within established firms. A decision tree analysis of 200 survey responses from professionals and master’s students engaged in corporate work-study programs in France reveals that employee-driven innovation is the strongest predictor of CE engagement. Focusing on traditional enterprises, where structural inertia is greater than in startups, our findings show that aligning internal capabilities with external collaboration is critical to advancing circular practices. The study offers actionable insights for business leaders and policymakers aiming to foster sustainable economic transformation.

Source: Circular Economy

DOI: 10.55845/lrfb9921

Authors: Aina Ndrianjara Andriamanantena, Onjaniaina Mianin’Harizo Rasolomanana, Céline Viala, Jacques Yana Mbena

Institutions: Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, CEPN - Centre d'Economie de l'Université Paris Nord, École Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414092214