Multi-Stakeholder Networks in a Circular Economy Transition: A Typology of Stakeholder Relationships

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines relationships among stakeholders seeking to promote the transition to a circular economy. We ask what kinds of relationships there are among circular economy stakeholders and how the transition to a circular economy is accelerated through these relationships. Our empirical material consists of 35 semi-structured interviews with circular economy stakeholders from private, public and third-sector organisations at local, regional and national levels in Finland, a country that has set the goal of becoming a global circular economy leader by 2025. Our inductive analysis identifies four prevalent types of relationships in the multi-stakeholder network: (1) directive relationships, (2) mediative relationships, (3) collaborative relationships and (4) competitive relationships. We show that directive relationships provide the foundation for the circular economy and mediative relationships enable the broadening and deepening of network activities. Together, directive and mediative relationships enable and form a basis for the collaborative and competitive relationships central to the implementation of a circular economy. We conclude that all relationship types are necessary to enabling the circular economy transition.