Assessing smart circular supply chain readiness and maturity level of small and medium-sized enterprises

A Smart Circular Supply Chain (SCSC) integrates both Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Circular Economy (CE) concepts into supply chain in response to achieving sustainable goals/agenda. The purpose of this paper is to assess SCSC readiness and maturity level of SMEs considering different stakeholders from a multi-layered perspective. For this aim, a conceptual framework was proposed and accomplished through a case study of SMEs in Turkey's textile industry. Such integrated approach to holistically assessing SCSC readiness and maturity makes a unique contribution to the field. The highlights of this study are summarized as follows: (1) approaching readiness and maturity in transitions by focusing on systems theory; (2) identifying the dimensions of readiness and maturity in transitions to I4.0 and CE; (3) assessment of readiness and maturity level of SMEs in transition to CE and (4) assessment of readiness and maturity level of SMEs in transition to I4.0 within the supply chain.

Automated summary

This paper assesses the readiness and maturity level of a Smart Circular Supply Chain (SCSC) in SMEs from a multi-layered perspective, using a case study of SMEs in Turkey's textile industry. The study makes a unique contribution by integrating the concepts of Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy and evaluating the readiness and maturity levels within the supply chain.