The battle of the buzzwords: A comparative review of the circular economy and the sharing economy concepts

Marvin Henry*, Daan Schraven, Nancy Bocken, Koen Frenken, Marko Hekkert, Julian Kirchherr

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

88 Citations (Scopus)
148 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) and sharing economy (SE) are much discussed concepts but potential links between them have not been examined systematically so far. The concepts’ popularity coupled with a lack of definitional consensus may hinder their potential to advance sustainability transitions. Hence, the first comparative bibliometric study of these two concepts was carried out. It was found that they share notable links in the fields of sustainability, business models, sustainable consumption and governance. Business model literature reveals links mostly in the realms of platform- and service-based activities. The field of SE has a strong consumer focus but, unlike CE, barely addressed rebound effects so far. Governance literature shows a general top-down dynamic driving CE, while SE is considered to be bottom-up. SE is conceptualized as a subset of CE which opens possibilities for mutual enrichment. The findings aim to provoke more dialogue between the CE and SE communities.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-21
Number of pages21
JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions
Volume38
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Bibliometrics
  • Business models
  • Circular economy
  • Governance
  • Keyword analysis
  • Sharing economy
  • Sustainable development

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