Creating a circular revolution : the Glasgow textile sector

Purpose: The concept of a circular economy has become a key strategy in the fight against climate change. The textiles sector is found to be one of the biggest contributors to manmade climate change yet, research on improving its impact on both the planet and society through circular business models lags behind other sectors. However, the impacts of this industry are gaining awareness, calling for a circular revolution that rethinks the way we produce and consume textiles. Using literature on Stakeholder Theory, Multi-Level Perspective and Circular Startups, this research investigates the stakeholders that influence the ability of the textiles industry in Glasgow to progress towards a circular economy, and the challenges and opportunities of enacting a systemic shift. Methodology: Two studies were completed to carry out this research. Study 1 undertook a systematic literature review to explore existing research on the role of stakeholders in transitioning towards a circular economy in the textiles industry, and to design an agenda for future research. Study 2 followed 2 phases. Phase 1 adopted participatory group research with 11 stakeholders to gain a broad overview of the textiles sector in Glasgow. Then in Phase 2, 9 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to build further understanding. Findings: It is determined that stakeholder relationships within the textiles industry are fragmented, due to divested interests and systemic barriers that prevent effective collaboration. SMEs and circular startups working at the niche level are found to have the knowledge and skills needed to enable systemic change. However, they require support from external stakeholders at the meso level to be able to influence the socio-technical regime that is so far lacking. Contributions: This research contributes to existing research on circular economies in the textiles sector by identifying the restriction that a lack of a united voice within the circular startup and SME network may be having on external relationships as well as lack of government understanding of the opportunities available at this level. Combined, these issues hinder progression towards a circular economy. In addition, two key managerial implications provide opportunities for government and industry to collaborate to help society through circular business models. Future research into these opportunities are included in a recommended research agenda.Purpose: The concept of a circular economy has become a key strategy in the fight against climate change. The textiles sector is found to be one of the biggest contributors to manmade climate change yet, research on improving its impact on both the planet and society through circular business models lags behind other sectors. However, the impacts of this industry are gaining awareness, calling for a circular revolution that rethinks the way we produce and consume textiles. Using literature on Stakeholder Theory, Multi-Level Perspective and Circular Startups, this research investigates the stakeholders that influence the ability of the textiles industry in Glasgow to progress towards a circular economy, and the challenges and opportunities of enacting a systemic shift. Methodology: Two studies were completed to carry out this research. Study 1 undertook a systematic literature review to explore existing research on the role of stakeholders in transitioning towards a circular economy in the textiles industry, and to design an agenda for future research. Study 2 followed 2 phases. Phase 1 adopted participatory group research with 11 stakeholders to gain a broad overview of the textiles sector in Glasgow. Then in Phase 2, 9 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to build further understanding. Findings: It is determined that stakeholder relationships within the textiles industry are fragmented, due to divested interests and systemic barriers that prevent effective collaboration. SMEs and circular startups working at the niche level are found to have the knowledge and skills needed to enable systemic change. However, they require support from external stakeholders at the meso level to be able to influence the socio-technical regime that is so far lacking. Contributions: This research contributes to existing research on circular economies in the textiles sector by identifying the restriction that a lack of a united voice within the circular startup and SME network may be having on external relationships as well as lack of government understanding of the opportunities available at this level. Combined, these issues hinder progression towards a circular economy. In addition, two key managerial implications provide opportunities for government and industry to collaborate to help society through circular business models. Future research into these opportunities are included in a recommended research agenda