Relational Frictions in Circular Economy Ecosystems: Designing for Transformative Futures

Abstract

In response to the growing tension between business growth and sustainable consumption, strategic design management offers frameworks to facilitate the transition from linear to circular models. This article examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities companies face when engaging in circular economy (CE) ecosystems. Specifically, the article addresses the question: How does agency shape collaborative dynamics in the initiation and maintenance of partnerships within the global coffee value chain during socio-technical transitions towards circular practices? Through stakeholder interviews and follow-up conversations with decision-makers, our analysis highlights how relational frictions—emerging from the entangled dynamics of human–more-than-human systems—serve as both challenges and opportunities in navigating CE ecosystems. Our findings indicate that these frictions reveal the interconnected and context-dependent nature of collaborative practices, shaping both conflicts and transformations. We contextualize these findings within design and innovation management approaches, emphasizing the need for evolving participatory modes that enable transformative collaborations and foster circular futures. 

Through stakeholder interviews and follow-up conversations with decision-makers, our analysis highlights how relational frictions—emerging from the entangled dynamics of human–more-than-human systems—serve as both challenges and opportunities in navigating CE ecosystems. Our findings indicate that these frictions reveal the interconnected and context-dependent nature of collaborative practices, shaping both conflicts and transformations.

We contextualize these findings within design and innovation management approaches, emphasizing the need for evolving participatory modes that enable transformative collaborations and foster circular futures.