2024-Tulin Dzhengiz
Orchestrating Sustainability: Examining the Emergence of the Circular Fashion Ecosystem in the UK
Dr Tulin Dzhengiz (PI), Manchester Metropolitan University; and Dr Alaa Abed (Co-I), Manchester Metropolitan University -Orchestrating Sustainability: Examining the Emergence of the Circular Fashion Ecosystem in the UK
Grant reference: 2024-420-SAMS-BAM
Award amount: £42,043.63
Project summary: This research focuses on the UK’s fashion industry, a key sector in the sustainable transition through circular economy practices. It aims to shed light on the evolving circular fashion landscape, emphasizing ecosystem orchestration and the development of niche circular ecosystems. We explore the roles of varied stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, industry associations, universities, and local authorities, in shaping or orchestrating these ecosystems.
Incorporating insights from Aarikka-Stenroos et al. (2021), Kanda et al., and Khatami et al. (2023), the study highlights the complex nature of such ecosystems, ranging from grassroots initiatives to broader collaborations such as the Circular Fashion Ecosystem of UKFT and Institute of Positive Fashion.
Utilizing frameworks from innovation (Adner and Kapoor, 2010; Chesbrough et al., 2014) and entrepreneurial ecosystems (Audretsch et al., 2018; Autio and Levie, 2017), our research examines these ecosystems’ intricacies, aiming to identify their distinctive features and evolution. The methodology includes approximately 50 qualitative interviews with stakeholders, analyzed with tools like Nvivo.
The theoretical contribution of this study lies in uncovering how circular ecosystems emerge and the intricate roles within them, offering vital insights into the future of sustainable fashion.
We will interview and collaborate with scholars across disciplines (material science, engineering, fashion design) involved in multi-stakeholder projects, connecting them with practitioners in these emerging ecosystems throughout this project. This interdisciplinarity fosters capacity building among researchers and practitioners, enhancing their ability to engage effectively in circular fashion ecosystems. Our work, therefore both aims to advance academic knowledge and strengthens practical capacities for sustainable industry practices.