The Adoption of Circular Business Models in Small Island States: Barriers and Enablers

Circular economy (CE) practices create solutions to environmental challenges facilitating commercial, financial and social benefits. Despite the considerable research about barriers and enablers to adopting circular business models (CBM) little is known about small and micro businesses operating in small island states. We address this gap by a qualitative study conducted with owner-managers in the Mediterranean island state of Malta. It emerges that the specifics of an island context – history, values and culture – may create challenges to the adoption of CBM in these states. Yet there are also opportunities which if used in policymaking will accelerate the CE shift. This study provides empirical data which, whilst complementing previous research, adds further knowledge about the adoption of CBM. It will assist policymakers and support educational programmes, aiding this island state, and regions with similar small business economies, in their CE transition.