Tech-Driven Circularity: Agile and Lean Synergies

Title

Tech-Driven Circularity: Agile and Lean Synergies

Author

1. Henry Onomakpo, Student, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

Abstract

Background. Growing concerns regarding resource depletion and climate change have elevated the circular economy (CE) to a position of paramount importance. The transition to a CE requires moving away from linear production and disposal models toward regenerative systems. While technological advancements offer unparalleled opportunities, the limited understanding of the integration of agile/lean methodologies alongside these technologies poses a critical research gap. This paper addresses this gap by rigorously analyzing the various techniques for integrating agile/lean methodology with digital technological advancements to enhance CE objectives.

 

Methods. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, leveraging both bibliometric analysis using R's bibliometrix and content analysis. The data sources used for the literature review included Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. This involved searching relevant literature, then analyzing those pieces to extract information and come up with a framework.

 

Results. The analysis ostensibly highlights that artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins are quintessentially key emerging technologies within the CE landscape. The review indicated that agile methodologies support the creation of new CE solutions via iterative processes. The review inherently stresses the importance of collaboration among universities, industry, and governments for knowledge transfer and policy improvements in the transition to a CE. A novel framework integrating agile and lean methodologies with emerging technologies was then synthesized.

 

This review underscores the potential of integrating agile and lean methodologies with emerging technologies to drive the CE transition. It stresses the need for a systemic approach, underpinned by an appropriate framework and robust policies, alongside consideration of potential ethical and economic impacts relating to the technologies used.

Keywords

Conclusion

This review unequivocally demonstrates that a systemic, holistic, and well-integrated approach is paramount for the global transition to a circular economy. Ultimately addressing the core research question, the judicious combination of agile and lean methods with emerging technologies, underpinned by robust policy frameworks, demonstrably possesses the potential to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy. While AI, blockchain, IoT, and digital twins offer considerable promise for promoting a circular transition, it is equally paramount to proactively address inherent ethical and environmental concerns. Neglecting these risks inherently carries the potential to undermine efforts to establish a genuinely sustainable and competitive global economy, one that effectively fosters long-term growth, financial stability, and societal well-being.

 

Moving beyond purely theoretical models, future research must focus on developing demonstrably practical and readily implementable frameworks, informed by empirical evidence and real-world case studies. Policy measures must undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure their effectiveness and relevance across diverse regional and sectoral contexts. Furthermore, this transition necessitates strong collaboration across a diverse range of stakeholders, including academia, industry, government, and civil society organizations, to formulate a unified, inclusive, and participatory approach. Equitable distribution of economic and social benefits, to both reduce disadvantage and ensure the benefits of a circular economy are readily available for all, must also be a primary consideration. Effective management of resources and the implementation of robust circular practices across all sectors are fundamentally vital to achieving ambitious climate targets and are equally essential for enhancing global competitiveness and promoting long-term prosperity.

 

A multifaceted strategy that seamlessly integrates technological advancements, strategically sound methodologies, proactively designed policies, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability is demonstrably fundamental for ensuring a successful transition to a circular economy. As such, this review makes a clear contribution to the existing body of knowledge, showing the pathway to a more circular and sustainable future.

Author Contrubution

Henry Efe Onomakpo Onomakpo conceived and designed the study, conducted the literature review, performed the bibliometric and content analysis, developed the integrated framework, and led the writing and revision of the manuscript.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. All activities contributing to this work were conducted using the resources of the author's institution.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication, and there were no financial, commercial, legal, or professional relationships that could influence or bias the research.

Data Sharing Statement

The bibliometric data analyzed in this study originates from the Scopus, Dimensions, and ScienceDirect databases. Due to the proprietary nature of these databases, direct access to the raw data is subject to individual subscription agreements with the respective database providers. However, the processed data, along with the analytical code used in this study (primarily utilizing the "bibliometrix" package in R, which can be assessed on https://cran.r-project.org/package=bibliometrix), is deposited on the publisher’s website. The materials will remain archived permanently.

Software And Tools Use

R bibliometric package "biblioshiny() function"

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the support of the faculty and staff of the Economics and Business department of the University of Gadjah Mada for their invaluable assistance in the preparation of this manuscript. Their guidance and encouragement were instrumental in the successful completion of this research.