Creating a Circular Future: New Research Identifies Essential Organizational Skills for Sustainability

A recent study conducted by scholars at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) has brought significant insights into the intersection of dynamic capabilities and greener business practices within the manufacturing sector. This research highlights that, in today’s complex environmental landscape, organizations need to harness their dynamic capabilities to navigate the intricacies of the green transition effectively. By analyzing data from 139 manufacturing companies, the study emphasizes the necessity of integrating financial acumen with technological expertise while remaining adaptable to evolving regulations and the ever-changing demands of consumers.

The challenges associated with the green transition are manifold and systemic. Companies are often confronted with complex hurdles that impede their progress toward sustainability. For instance, the costs associated with using secondary raw materials can be prohibitively high, and there is a pressing need for investment in circularity infrastructure. This encompasses essential services such as separate waste collection, sorting, preparation for reuse, and recycling processes. Additionally, companies must engage in product design innovations, undertake research, and foster the creation of circular economy business models to facilitate this transition.

Moreover, the research underscores that organizations must analyze the green transition through the lens of business actors. In a constantly changing environment, firms require the ability to blend competencies in novel ways, forge collaborations with diverse stakeholders,