Synergistic effect of green knowledge sharing and green creative climate for circular economy practices: role of artificial intelligence information quality

Purpose This research aims to explore how circular economy practices (CEPs) address environmental challenges in manufacturing while providing a competitive edge for sustainable growth. It examines the role of green knowledge sharing, green creative climate and enhanced artificial intelligence information quality in fostering the successful adoption of CEP, offering strategies to improve collaboration and innovation in green practices. Design/methodology/approach This research employed a quantitative method by using a survey to gather data from 332 respondents representing Chinese manufacturing SMEs. We applied partial least square structural equation modeling for hypothesis testing, offering robust insights into the relationships among the variables and their implications for the manufacturing sector. Findings The results show that green knowledge sharing and green creative climate are favorably connected to CEP. Meanwhile, green creative climate is a key mediator between green knowledge sharing and CEP. In comparison, artificial intelligence information quality positively moderates among targeted relationships. The importance-performance map analysis highlighted the superior importance (28.70) of green knowledge sharing and the exceptional performance (67.638) of green creative climate toward CEP. Research limitations/implications The findings can aid in improving academic and professional understanding of managing and evaluating CEP at the project and firm levels in the manufacturing sector. Therefore, policymakers and managers may implement CEP by emphasizing green knowledge sharing, green creative climate, and artificial intelligence information quality. Originality/value This research contributes to the limited prevailing literature by enhancing the understanding of green knowledge sharing, green creative climate, artificial intelligence information quality and CEP. It sheds light on the potential role of green knowledge sharing and green creative climate, as they are performing the role of catalysts for enhancing information quality and fostering CEP in organizations.