Circular business models in Swedish and Dutch cities

Abstract

Contemporary problems related to the poor condition of our natural environment force changes in management models. The model that the economy has followed so far is a linear model - a highly consumption-based model that leads to an increased amount of waste and pollution, and consequently to not taking into account the interests of all stakeholders. As cities struggle with numerous problems (including a constantly growing population, pollution, demand for raw materials, etc.) they should change the way they are managed. The aim of the study is to identify which of them are most often used by these cities. The research questions asked in the article are: what is the role of the city as an authority in these models - is it an implementer or a recipient of circular models solutions? According to the current state of knowledge, is it possible to say that thanks to circular models used in cities the quality of life of residents is improving (from an environmental and social perspective)? The research method used was a review of professional literature (WoS and Scopus databases, as well as full-text databases), internet sources and reports. Three types of circular business models, in which Swedish and Dutch cities participate, were identified. The models that are used predominantly in cities in both Sweden and the Netherlands are models of sharing consumption. Cities as authorities assume different roles - they are both implementers and recipients of the models. It cannot be stated unequivocally that the introduction of circular business models in the current form has a positive effect on the quality of life in a city. Therefore, further research and experiments must be carried out, e.g. in the direction of expanding these models.