Digitalisation to zero-waste: the interplay of open eco-innovation and the circular economy in agricultural enterprises
The integration of digitalisation into corporate models and processes represents a transformative approach to improving operational efficiency and supporting the transition towards zero-waste production. The study investigates challenges within Thailand’s agricultural sector, focusing on how small a...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Sustainable Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/19397038.2024.2446771 |
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| Summary: | The integration of digitalisation into corporate models and processes represents a transformative approach to improving operational efficiency and supporting the transition towards zero-waste production. The study investigates challenges within Thailand’s agricultural sector, focusing on how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) leverage digital capabilities and strategies to implement circular economy principles. A total of 304 agricultural enterprises were sampled, including 133 startups and 171 established firms. Using structural equation modelling with multigroup analysis, the research explores differences in adoption patterns between startups and established firms. The results reveal significant differences between startups and established firms. Digital capability strongly influences open product eco-innovation significantly for both groups, with established firms demonstrating slightly stronger relationships due to their extensive resources and experience. In contrast, digital strategy significantly affects open product and managerial eco-innovation for startups, while its impact on established firms is weaker. Furthermore, circular economy concept adoption facilitates the creation of value-added products from agricultural residues, with startups showing stronger relationships, reflecting their agility and focus on innovation. However, established firms demonstrate strengths in optimizing existing process for sustainability. The findings highlight the critical role of innovative digital practices in promoting sustainable ecosystems and addressing the urgent need for near-zero-waste strategies in agriculture. By advancing theoretical frameworks on digitalisation and eco-innovation, the study provides valuable insights to guide sustainability-focused transformations in agricultural enterprises within emerging agro-industrial economies. |
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| ISSN: | 1939-7038 1939-7046 |