The role of entrepreneurs and financiers in the circular economy transitions in differing geographic contexts

The dissertation offers new insights into the roles of entrepreneurs and financiers in Circular Economy (CE) transitions through a dynamic, multi-perspective approach, utilising primarily qualitative methods. It begins by developing an integrated research framework that provides a structured foundation for investigating the research topic. The study is organised into three empirical chapters. The first examines success factors for scaling up CE ventures and raising investments, employing Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to identify patterns across emerging markets and developing economies. The second investigates how entrepreneurs contribute to the mainstreaming of CE innovations from niches to regimes, as conceptualised in the Multi-Level-Perspective (MLP), using pattern matching to compare developed versus emerging and developing economies. The third focuses on institutional change in CE transitions, using a case study approach to explore European financial organisations. The dissertation concludes with discussions and a synthesis of the findings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the roles played by entrepreneurs and financiers in CE transitions as processes of multiple value creation across micro, meso, and macro levels, differing geographic contexts, and diverse stakeholder groups