Circular Entrepreneurship as enhancer for the Sustainable Development of Emerging Markets

Abstract

In today’s global context, Circular Entrepreneurship emerges as a catalyst for the Sustainable Development in the international business scope, especially for Emerging Markets. Within this context, the importance of Emerging Markets enhancement has shifted the attention of policymakers and international players towards supporting the potential of entrepreneurial activity within the scope of Sustainable Development. In the past, studies have demonstrated the multiple benefits arising from the relationship between Circular Economy and Sustainable Development, however, no previous study has shown the positive outcomes and potential that the effective implementation of Entrepreneurial activity based on Circular Economic principles has for the Sustainable Development of Emerging Markets.

Through a cross-case analysis, this study aims to understand the role that Entrepreneurship based on the principles of Circular Economy have within the economic, social, and environmental scopes of the Sustainable Development of an Emerging Market. In detail, this thesis analyses the context of Mexico's Sustainable Development as an emerging market by answering the question How does circular entrepreneurship enhance the sustainable development of emerging markets? Moreover, this thesis aims to identify the opportunity areas for the entrepreneurial activity in order to boost their potential through the unique challenges that emerging markets like Mexico face.

The findings show that despite the difference between economic landscapes when comparing the enhancement of Sustainable Development of the entrepreneurial activity based on the Triple Bottom Line success factors for implementation, emerging markets-based business are capable of enhancing the sustainable development of its region even within the context of the unique challenges that emerging markets have. This study holds relevance for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, who’s understanding of the key enablers for Circular Entrepreneurship, could potentially unlock new opportunities, projects, and/or foundations that attempt to make progress towards a transformative milestone in the Sustainable Development agendas of Emerging Markets.