Sustainable Business Models for Circular Economy – The case of Brussels Built Environment

Sustainable business models (SBMs) have been recognized as facilitators to foster the transition towards sustainability. Moreover, policy-makers and the scientific community have identified the circular economy (CE) as a promising means to reach sustainability. In this regard, the development of SBMs for CE is considered as crucial. However, it is recognized that CE development relies on ecosystem support, as the CE is based on closing the resources loop of an economy including many organizations. Although pioneer organizations may create projects with a SBM acting for CE, we do not see widespread adoption of these models at the ecosystem level. Using a qualitative study based on Institutional Isomorphism, this paper aims to understand the barriers and enablers influencing SBMs for the CE at the ecosystem level. Then, recommendations for future research are provided to better understand the different isomorphic pressures that could foster homogenization and thus, SBM and CE generalization.