How do companies adopt open innovation to enable circular economy? Insights from a qualitative meta‐analysis of case studies

Abstract

Abstract Open innovation (OI) is a pivotal driver in fostering the practical implementation of circular economy (CE). Based on 42 case studies identified through a systematic search, the present study seeks to understand how OI strategies are currently integrated within companies' circular business models (CBMs). The content analysis of the cases, interpreted through a strategy matrix, emphasises a prevalent inclination among companies towards collaborative and network‐based OI strategies. These strategies exhibit high depth and breadth of knowledge search, indicating companies' tendency to engage with numerous knowledge sources in deep partnership. Moreover, the findings underscore that the companies tend to favour OI strategies rooted in the depth of knowledge search rather than breadth in developing CBMs. In addition to contributing to the existing CE knowledge, the findings of this study offer empirical insights for managers, practitioners and policymakers, aiming to effectively integrate OI strategies into CBMs.