Short answer
When designing systems for waste reduction, consider the role of digital intermediaries that can actively connect disparate entities and facilitate resource flow.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- Journal of Business Ethics (2019)
- Method
- Interpretive inductive theory-building approach
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Digital platform organizations can effectively reduce food waste by acting as 'circularity brokers' that connect waste generators with potential users, thereby bridging gaps in the supply chain. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Journal of Business Ethics. Using Interpretive inductive theory-building approach, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing systems for waste reduction, consider the role of digital intermediaries that can actively connect disparate entities and facilitate resource flow.
Digital Platforms Bridge 'Circularity Holes' in Food Waste Recovery
Digital platform organizations can effectively reduce food waste by acting as 'circularity brokers' that connect waste generators with potential users, thereby bridging gaps in the supply chain.
Journal of Business Ethics · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Digital platform organizations can act as 'circularity brokers' to address 'circularity holes' in food supply chains.
- 02Six distinct brokerage roles were identified: connecting, informing, protecting, mobilizing, integrating, and measuring.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing systems for waste reduction, consider the role of digital intermediaries that can actively connect disparate entities and facilitate resource flow.
How to apply
Develop or utilize digital platforms that facilitate the exchange of surplus or waste materials between producers and potential users, focusing on the identified brokerage functions.
Project actions
- 01Consider how digital platforms can solve waste problems in a specific industry.
- 02Map out the 'circulatory holes' in a given supply chain before designing a solution.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Identifies a novel actor ('circularity broker') in waste recovery.
- +Provides a detailed framework of brokerage roles.
Limitations
The effectiveness of such platforms can depend heavily on user adoption and the specific regulations within a given region.
Reliability & validity
The study uses an interpretive, inductive approach, which may lead to findings that are context-specific. Further quantitative research could validate the generalizability and impact of these brokerage roles.
Think critically
To what extent can the 'brokerage roles' identified in the food industry be applied to other waste streams, such as electronic waste or construction debris?
Design Principles
"Leverage digital platforms to create connections and bridge information or logistical gaps in resource recovery processes."
This research highlights a novel approach to tackling food waste by leveraging digital technology. Understanding the brokerage roles of these platforms can inform the design of more efficient and sustainable food supply chains, leading to reduced environmental impact and improved resource utilization.
What This Means for Your Design
Digital apps can help stop food from being thrown away by connecting businesses that have extra food with those who can use it, like charities or other food producers.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when exploring digital solutions for waste reduction or circular economy initiatives in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The research by Ciulli, Kolk, and Bøe-Lillegraven (2019) highlights the potential of digital platform organizations to act as 'circularity brokers' within food supply chains. By identifying and bridging 'circularity holes'—gaps where waste generators cannot connect with potential receivers—these platforms facilitate waste recovery. Their work explicates six key brokerage roles: connecting, informing, protecting, mobilizing, integrating, and measuring, offering a framework for designing effective digital solutions for resource management and waste reduction.
Source
Journal of Business Ethics
Circularity Brokers: Digital Platform Organizations and Waste Recovery in Food Supply Chains
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about digital platforms bridge 'circularity holes' in food waste recovery?
- When designing systems for waste reduction, consider the role of digital intermediaries that can actively connect disparate entities and facilitate resource flow. Evidence: Journal of Business Ethics (2019).
- Why does "Digital Platforms Bridge 'Circularity Holes' in Food Waste Recovery" matter for design?
- This research highlights a novel approach to tackling food waste by leveraging digital technology. Understanding the brokerage roles of these platforms can inform the design of more efficient and sustainable food supply chains, leading to reduced environmental impact and improved resource utilization.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing systems for waste reduction, consider the role of digital intermediaries that can actively connect disparate entities and facilitate resource flow.
- What were the main findings?
- Digital platform organizations can act as 'circularity brokers' to address 'circularity holes' in food supply chains.. Six distinct brokerage roles were identified: connecting, informing, protecting, mobilizing, integrating, and measuring.
- What research method was used?
- Interpretive inductive theory-building approach.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Journal of Business Ethics.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Develop or utilize digital platforms that facilitate the exchange of surplus or waste materials between producers and potential users, focusing on the identified brokerage functions.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses specifically on the food supply chain and may not be directly generalizable to all types of waste recovery.