Designing a Framework for Evaluating Circular Business Models in the Steel Industry by Meta-Synthesis Method

Today, moving away from the linear economy towards a circular economy has been considered by many countries and advanced companies in the world. Circular business models are among the tools that are very effective in implementing the principles of circular economics. In this study, a framework for evaluating circular business models is provided and a model for the Iranian steel industry is presented. To this end, based on Systematic Literature Review and meta-synthesis method, which is a type of meta-study methods, 562 English articles were collected and reviewed using Critical Appraisal Skills Program, and finally 28 articles were selected. The research findings showed that the evaluation framework of circular business models in the steel industry is based on reduce, reuse, regenerate, recycling and maintenance strategies. Also, in line with the mentioned strategies, the circular economy actions were localized using the fuzzy Delphi method. At the end of the research, it is recommended that managers, officials and those involved in the steel industry need to pay more attention to these strategies and actions within a circular business model for more profitability and for adhering to the principles of sustainability.