Business Strategy Development via Circular Economy Innovation

It often remains unclear how firms innovate new business strategies that fit with the circular transition. In the current session of the International Business Seminar Series, Dr. Jenni Kaipainen will present a study that applies an analytical lens of strategic fit in a qualitative multiple-case study of 16 Finnish case firms, embedded in four case clusters.

Dr. Kapainen will discuss her findings together with the participants: That firms manage their strategic fits through different circular innovation patterns, which she conceptualizes into distinctive business strategy archetypes. Based on the findings, she develops an archetype framework and three propositions.

Her findings and framework advance bridging the previously distant strategic management and CE business research, and provide valuable advice for managers innovating for a strategic fit with the CE transition.

Jenni Kaipainen is a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, Group of Sustainability and Technology. Kaipainen holds a double doctoral degree with honors in Business & Technology in Politecnico di Milano, Italy, and Tampere University, Finland. Her research focuses on companies' strategic development towards a circular economy through the management of e.g., business models, innovations, value chains, and ecosystems. Her research has been awarded internationally, and published e.g., in British Journal of Management and Business Strategy and the Environment. Kaipainen harnesses her ambitious research work by engaging actively in various teaching and business development activities.