The Special Issue accepts research on infusion of digital technologies in Circular Economy Model with the concept of psychological distance and significance of social entrepreneurship.
Guest Editor:
Prof. Marcin W. Staniewski, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, m.staniewski@vizja.pl
Co-Guest Editor
Kun-Huang Huarng, National Taipei University of Business, Taipei, Taiwan, khhuarng@ntub.edu.tw
Special issue information:
The prevailing arch of the global economic model is rooted in a linear trajectory in which natural resource extraction and waste disposition result in resource exhaustion, harmful wasteful disposal, and grave ecological and wellness concerns (ÖZSOY, 2023). Recent estimations proclaim that global material resource consumption will be doubled by 2060, which is further accompanied by the anticipated influx of 3 billion more consumers by 2030 (Robert et al., 2022). Lately, scholars' fascination with the pioneered development strategy "circular economy" is the talk of the town as it is considered a substitute for the linear economic model. Being a versatile and interwoven concept, the circular economy is coupled with an array of theoretical perspectives such as "cradle-to-cradle design" and "environmental equilibrium." CE approach intends to develop a more holistic understanding of environmental and economic consequences in production and consumption; hence, the emphasis is centered on systematic linkage between systems and operations (Chauhan et al., 2022). At the global level, CE is considered a national strategy for sustainability as it maximizes resource efficiency carved in three principles: eliminate byproducts and harmful emissions, redistribute products and raw materials, and restore ecological balance (Fleuriault et al., 2021). However, implementing CE entails various challenges due to complex supply chain mechanisms, evolving stakeholders and consumer demands, and the need for systemic change. This implies that economic regeneration is driven by the active participation of the government, stakeholders, producers, businesses, suppliers, and consumers (Agliardi & Kasioumi, 2023).
In this context, digital technologies, particularly those replicating human cognitive functions, play a significant role in adopting circular economic principles (ÖZSOY, 2023). Digital technologies also facilitate businesses in large-scale customization and sustainable resource optimization through predictive maintenance. As a result, customer interaction increases, product lifecycle improves, and supply chain operations become transparent. Assimilation of industry 4.0 technologies ensures the achievement of CE objectives through effective waste management and collective effort among supply chain stakeholders (Khajuria, 2021). However, AI significantly shapes circular economy development goals (Chauhan et al., 2022). Due to its profound potential in infrastructure facilities, AI-based models show promising and lasting impacts on regenerative economic modes. Because of its proven substantial role in sustainability efforts, literature recognizes it as a transformative medium for the emergence of an intelligent circular economic system. The analytical scope of AI is also outlined in McKinsey Global Institute 2019 research, which reveals that the infusion of AI in food waste reduction initiatives manifests annual top-line revenue, conceivably achieved by 2030. In addition, the potential scope of AI is increasingly evident in recent projections, outlining its capacity within the CE framework to unlock value from waste up to 127 billion dollars by 2030 (Onyeaka et al., 2023).
Aside from technological advancement, the concept of psychological distance equally garnered traction from scholars as it is believed that behavioral factors also play a crucial role in CE adoption (Gonella et al., 2024). As a theoretical elucidation for explaining individuals’ struggle in taking climate change action, the conceptualization of psychological distance outlines the abstract view of climate change, which creates difficulty for individuals to prioritize sustainable efforts (Keller et al., 2022). Psychological distance is often viewed as a barrier to climate change action, with an understanding that specific characteristics of climate change are challenging to consider in habitual choices (Van Lange & Huckelba, 2021). Thus, it is imperative to reduce psychological distance by encouraging individuals to take climate change action. Since the concept of psychological distance is based on construal level theory, it illustrates that mental representation is formed based on indirect experience and varies according to object proximity (Zhang & Peng, 2019). Therefore, the abstract thought process shapes the perception of individuals toward climate change action such that when the issue is perceived as distant, the sustainability-driven efforts diminish. From a literary point of view, the effectiveness of psychological distance on climate change action is inconsistent. Recent literature also pinpoints that there is a need to review psychological distance and how it should be utilized in climate-change research (Brügger, 2020; Wang et al., 2021). Specifically, in the circular economy context, psychological distance acts as an intervening factor as the more immediate and relatable the environmental concerns are broadcasted, the more chances of active participation in CE activities can be witnessed. As evident in the literature, psychological distance plays a significant role in shaping an individual's attitude toward CE initiatives because individuals often regard climate change as a future and distant issue.
Nevertheless, the readiness of psychological distance toward CE goals cannot be addressed at an individual level without having support from social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship, embedded in social goals, often emerges as a response to government, market, and non-profit organizations' shortcomings (Zhang & Peng, 2019). The growing relevance of social entrepreneurship in the context of social and entrepreneurial reforms signifies the need for entrepreneurial opportunity identification because it is a turning point of entrepreneurial success. Since the fundamentals of entrepreneurial success lie in opportunity identification, it is crucial to look into social cognition as it answers the burning question of why some individuals perceive something as an opportunity while others do not. In this regard, psychological distance shows greater exertion on the perception of social entrepreneurs as it improves their decision-making power toward social entrepreneurship. Psychological distance is based on the construal level theory, which proclaims that individuals can achieve social cognitive goals through abstract psychological interpretations of distant objectives. This subjective experience of entrepreneurs helps them identify social entrepreneurship opportunities, depending on their view of the external environment. It implies that the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities is associated with core judgment and how they interpret such opportunities into benefits. As a result, social entrepreneurs close the loop between distant problems (climate change actions) and swift actions. In essence, AI is instrumental in effectively implementing the CE model. However, sustainability initiatives are hindered by higher psychological distance and limit the widespread adoption of CE models. The prevailing challenge is prominent in the case of social entrepreneurs as they are a core driver of sustainable innovation, influencing consumer behavior, stakeholder perception, investor interest, and policy interventions while turning environmental and social challenges into immediate and relatable actions. Therefore, the effective implementation of AI-driven CE models relies on psychological and technological barriers that must be addressed to bridge the gap.
The prevailing debate highlights that the amalgamation of AI-driven CE models further paired with psychological and entrepreneurial perceptions is an interesting avenue to be explored, therefore, this special issue invites scholars and researchers to bridge the outlined academic inquiry with actionable insights for regenerative economic system. The invited scholars are welcomed to be a part of this issue and produce high-quality research papers that emphasis on, but not limited to following themes and areas:
- AI powered circular economy policies and psychological distance
- Circular economy model patterns in higher psychological distance economies
- How social entrepreneurs increase CE awareness through psychological distance
- AI adoption intention and circular economy actions
- Social Entrepreneurship opportunity identification and AI enabled decision making within CE framework
- AI based circular business models and behavioral perspectives
- Artificial intelligence, circular economy engagement and social enterprises
- Discovering consumer behavior trends in CE through AI driven nudges and psychological distance
- The role of AI to turn awareness into actions: Nexus between psychological distance, social enterprises and CE business models.
- Psychological Distance and Entrepreneurial success: Leveraging AI powered tools to reshape circular economy
- Cognitive Barriers, Virtual Reality, Circular economy engagement and social Enterprises
Manuscript submission information:
The timeline of this special issue is as follows:
· Submission Open Date: July 01, 2025
· Final Manuscript Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026
· Editorial Acceptance Deadline: April 30, 2026
Before submitting a manuscript, please read carefully the Journal of Innovation & Knowledge Guide for authors.
In particular, authors should disclose in their manuscript the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies and a statement will appear in the published work. Declaring the use of these technologies supports transparency and trust between authors, readers, reviewers, editors, and contributors and facilitates compliance with the terms of use of the relevant tool or technology. Plagiarism in all its forms constitutes unethical behaviour and is unacceptable.
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References:
Agliardi, E., & Kasioumi, M. (2023). Closing the loop in a duopolistic circular economy model. International Journal of Production Economics, 262, 108927.
Brügger, A. (2020). Understanding the psychological distance of climate change: The limitations of construal level theory and suggestions for alternative theoretical perspectives. Global environmental change, 60, 102023.
Chauhan, C., Parida, V., & Dhir, A. (2022). Linking circular economy and digitalization technologies: A systematic literature review of past achievements and future promises. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 177, 121508.
Fleuriault, C., Gokelma, M., Anderson, A., & Olivetti, E. A. (2021). REWAS 2022: Developing Tomorrow’s Technical Cycles. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 7(2), 406-411.
Gonella, J. D. S. L., Godinho Filho, M., Ganga, G. M. D., Latan, H., & Jabbour, C. J. C. (2024). A behavioral perspective on circular economy awareness: The moderating role of social influence and psychological barriers. Journal of Cleaner Production, 441, 141062.
Keller, E., Marsh, J. E., Richardson, B. H., & Ball, L. J. (2022). A systematic review of the psychological distance of climate change: Towards the development of an evidence-based construct. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 81, 101822.
Khajuria, A. (2021). Nexus of circular economy and industry 4.0 to achieve the UN sustainable development goals. The International Journal of Engineering and Science (IJES), 10(12), 30-34.
Onyeaka, H., Tamasiga, P., Nwauzoma, U. M., Miri, T., Juliet, U. C., Nwaiwu, O., & Akinsemolu, A. A. (2023). Using artificial intelligence to tackle food waste and enhance the circular economy: Maximising resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact: A review. Sustainability, 15(13), 10482.
Özsoy, T. (2023). The role of artificial intelligence in facilitating the transition to a circular economy. Nişantaşı Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 11(2), 369-389.
Roberts, H., Zhang, J., Bariach, B., Cowls, J., Gilburt, B., Juneja, P., ... & Floridi, L. (2024). Artificial intelligence in support of the circular economy: ethical considerations and a path forward. AI & SOCIETY, 39(3), 1451-1464.
Van Lange, P. A., & Huckelba, A. L. (2021). Psychological distance: How to make climate change less abstract and closer to the self. Current Opinion in Psychology, 42, 49-53.
Wang, S., Hurlstone, M. J., Leviston, Z., Walker, I., & Lawrence, C. (2021). Construal-level theory and psychological distancing: Implications for grand environmental challenges. One Earth, 4(4), 482-486.
Zhang, H., & Peng, X. (2019). Research on the Influence Model of Psychological Distance on the Identification of Social Entrepreneurship.
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence; Circular Economy; Social Entrepreneurship; Psychological Distance
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