Sector-Specific and Size-Responsive Sustainable Business Models: Empirical Insights into Circular Economy, CSR, and Digital Transformation for SMEs and LEs

Abstract

Against global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and mounting environmental-social challenges, enterprises must integrate multi-dimensional sustainable practices into core operations, and this study explores how circular economy (CE), corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental management, and digital transformation synergistically shape sustainable business models while identifying sector-specific drivers, barriers, and policy levers. Using mixed methods, it includes a systematic literature review (n=187), in-depth case studies of 12 firms across manufacturing, tourism, and services, and a survey of 320 enterprises. Results show digital technologies (e.g., AI supply chain analytics, IoT carbon monitoring) boost CE efficiency and CSR reporting, resource efficiency/stakeholder engagement are top drivers (high initial investment/inconsistent policies as barriers), and emerging economies prioritize poverty alleviation via inclusive business while developed ones focus on carbon neutrality. It contributes an integrated framework to theory and offers sector-specific CE roadmaps for enterprises and targeted subsidies for policymakers.

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