Stakeholder engagement practices of companies in the context of a circular economy in Finland: A longitudinal study
The study identifies and organizes the stakeholder engagement practices of companies in the context of a circular economy in Finland. The study first examines stakeholder engagement practices in 2019 and 2021 and then analyzes the development of these practices.
The research data were collected through six semi-structured interviews with the forerunner companies of the circular economy in Finland. These companies participated in the joint project of Finnish Universities ‘Circular Economy Catalysts: From Innovation to Business Ecosystems’ (CICAT2025). Braun and Clarke’s (2006) phases of thematic analysis were used to identify and analyze stakeholder engagement practices within the interview data.
The findings of the study suggest that the most significant changes in the stakeholder engagement practices of companies were related to external stakeholders, operating models, and context. The changes indicate a broader and more development-oriented approach to stakeholder engagement and a certain maturity of the operating environment.
Authors:
Heta Leinonen, Tampere University
Annika Blomberg, Tampere University
Published:
Leinonen, H., & Blomberg, A. (2022). Stakeholder engagement practices of companies in the context of a circular economy in Finland: A longitudinal study. In S. Mishra & A. K. Dey (Eds.), Case studies on entrepreneurial ecosystem, sustainable business and stakeholder dynamics (pp. 34–46). Bloomsbury.
Potential beneficiaries of the results: All companies.
More information:
Heta Leinonen
Corresponding author
Doctoral researcher
Faculty of Management and Business
Tampere University
heta.leinonen@tuni.fi
Annika Blomberg
Senior research fellow
Faculty of Management and Business
Tampere University
annika.blomberg@tuni.fi