Platform-based ecosystems and knowledge management for the circular economy: an in-depth analysis of Italian cases

Purpose The paper aims to examine how platform-based ecosystems can enable the creation of knowledge flows supporting the creation of circular economy value. Despite the growing interest in digital platforms, their meaning and implications in terms of ecosystems remain an underexplored and evolving area, especially concerning their contribution to the circular transition. Through the lens of the knowledge management perspective, this study explored the dynamics undertaken by platform stakeholders as well as their contribution to generating purposive knowledge flows supporting the achievement of circularity. Design/methodology/approach This paper embraced an explorative qualitative approach based on analyzing multiple case studies listed by the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform as good practices related to the Italian context. Data collection relied on primary sources, including interviews with key informants, as well as secondary sources resulting from the consultation and analysis of various web resources. Findings Analyzed through a multi-perspective investigative framework to identify the contribution of platform-based ecosystems as enablers for the creation of knowledge, the analysis of four cases revealed interesting insights for understanding the knowledge dynamics of networks supporting the achievement of circular value creation. In representing a valid context for the comprehension of ecosystem dynamics (with evidence related to the categories of actors involved, their impact on the industrial and/or institutional context and the different typologies of knowledge shared), the cases revealed the crucial role of digital platforms in supporting the creation of knowledge-intensive networks in line with the quintuple helix principle for leading the challenges of the circular economy. Originality/value The originality and value of this study lie in its knowledge management-based exploration of the role of platform-based ecosystems in creating specialized ecosystems for the circular economy. The exploration of platforms’ contribution to the domain of social innovation policies can expand the debate on the circular economy at the intersection of managerial, institutional and technological perspectives, thus inspiring future research and the practical implementation of strategic actions at both the organizational and institutional levels. This study also advances the academic debate on platform thinking by demonstrating the opportunities for enlarging our understanding of the dynamics of knowledge and innovation management based on digital platforms.