Challenges and Opportunities when Developing Just and Circular Innovation Ecosystems in Developing Countries : A case study on a truck manufacturer in Durban, South Africa ; Utmaningar och möjligheter vid utveckling av rättvisa och cirkulära innovationsekosystem i utvecklingsländer : En fallstudie av en lastbilstillverkare i Durban, Sydafrika

Today’s linear economy consisting of extraction of materials, production, use and waste, have been challenged by the concept of circular economy (CE). This concept is based on the idea of reducing, reusing and recycling waste instead of disposing it, thus supporting a sustainable development. However, the concept is also facing critique, saying that the concept lacks a proper strategy for social and economic sustainability, especially in developing countries. This leads to the idea of a “just transition” to CE, which implies sharing the benefits and burdens of a transition to CE. The concept of a just transition is closely related to social sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Research is indicating that the power of multinational enterprises (MNEs) increases their responsibility in empowering social sustainability in developing countries, but research has also concluded that they will not do it alone but in cross-sector partnerships. Researchers have also identified that partnership engagement is a necessary condition when transitioning towards a CE. To investigate how these cross-sector partnerships can support a just transition to a circular economy, the concept of innovation ecosystems can be used as a lens. This thesis has conducted an explorative case study on a multinational truck manufacturer (the Case Company) in Durban, South Africa. The aim of this case study is to investigate how an innovation ecosystem can be designed that supports the Case Company in a just transition towards CE and what challenges and opportunities exist. In the study, data was gathered through semi structured interviews, observations and gathering of secondary data from the Case Company as well as external potential actors to include in an innovation ecosystem. A deductive approach was used to analyze the gathered qualitative data and the findings were summarized and categorized into challenges and opportunities in regard to building a just and circular innovation ecosystem. A potential innovation ecosystem ...