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2025
Book Article
Title
Extended Interdependency Matrix to Evaluate Influence Factors in Circular Value Creation Systems: Application in Industry
Abstract
The circular economy (CE) represents a growing trend in value creation systems, prioritising the sustainable use of resources, minimising waste and value loss, and shifting away from the traditional “end of life” model for products and services. The transition from a linear lifecycle to a circular one presents significant challenges, as the majority of existing products and services available on the market were not originally designed with the principles of circularity in mind. Designing value creation systems that align with the principles of the CE poses a significant need for consideration of interconnections among numerous influence factors. These factors do not always support one another; some may have a neutral or even detrimental effect. To clarify these interdependencies and foster a comprehensive understanding of how circularity can be effectively integrated into value creation systems, this paper introduces an interdependency matrix. This matrix aims to improve decision-making processes in the development of circular value creation systems. This paper is based on the work of Ruzicic et al. (2024). The present study builds upon the previous paper by adding practical examples, optimising the matrix, and providing further explanations.
A mixed-methods approach is used in the research design. Initially, a literature review is conducted to assess the current state of knowledge. The identified influence factors were then categorised by the design of circular value creation. Expert insights from both industry and academia enrich the findings from the literature. These insights are then integrated into the development of the interdependency matrix. The relationships between the various influence factors are evaluated based on distinct morphologies. For the application of the developed interdependency matrix, a case study is used as a reference and framework. To validate and refine the matrix, a verification process is conducted by creating practical examples derived from the case study as given by the previous work of Ruzicic et al. (2024). These application examples are used to assess the applicability and robustness of the interdependency matrix. This study has enhanced the examples and explanations for the interdependencies and utilisation of the matrix. It further indicates which factors can be treated independently of each other and which have context-dependent correlations. In some cases, the relationships of the influence factors can only be assessed under the specific circumstances of the processes and structures within the value creation system.
This study is characterised by a holistic view of a circular value creation system and is intended to facilitate the acceleration of the transition to a CE. It primarily focuses on identifying and evaluating the dependencies between the influence factors within a CE system. The extension of the matrix includes a number-based approach that helps the user prioritise the influence factors. To clarify the structure and function of the extended interdependency matrix, this paper includes illustrative example-based explanations.
A mixed-methods approach is used in the research design. Initially, a literature review is conducted to assess the current state of knowledge. The identified influence factors were then categorised by the design of circular value creation. Expert insights from both industry and academia enrich the findings from the literature. These insights are then integrated into the development of the interdependency matrix. The relationships between the various influence factors are evaluated based on distinct morphologies. For the application of the developed interdependency matrix, a case study is used as a reference and framework. To validate and refine the matrix, a verification process is conducted by creating practical examples derived from the case study as given by the previous work of Ruzicic et al. (2024). These application examples are used to assess the applicability and robustness of the interdependency matrix. This study has enhanced the examples and explanations for the interdependencies and utilisation of the matrix. It further indicates which factors can be treated independently of each other and which have context-dependent correlations. In some cases, the relationships of the influence factors can only be assessed under the specific circumstances of the processes and structures within the value creation system.
This study is characterised by a holistic view of a circular value creation system and is intended to facilitate the acceleration of the transition to a CE. It primarily focuses on identifying and evaluating the dependencies between the influence factors within a CE system. The extension of the matrix includes a number-based approach that helps the user prioritise the influence factors. To clarify the structure and function of the extended interdependency matrix, this paper includes illustrative example-based explanations.
Author(s)