This paper aims to provide insights into the role of ‘Entrepreneurial Behaviour’ in stimulating the transition of the Built Environment from a linear economic model to a Circular Economy. Implementation of the circular principles is riddled with regulatory, cultural, financial, and other sector-specific barriers that stall transition efforts and delay their benefits. However, entrepreneurial actors perceive these barriers as potential opportunities, as they are able to create value in a highly uncertain environment. Entrepreneurial Behaviour has historically steered new and disruptive innovations across industries. It is shown in new and incumbent organisations at three conceptual levels: the individual level, the business model level, and the network level. This paper conducts an empirical study based in the Netherlands to suggest that actors who are key decision-makers for construction projects need to show entrepreneurial behaviour to overcome the barriers, making it a key driver for change. The study contributes to research efforts on Circular Economy by proposing a framework that identifies and outlines patterns of Entrepreneurial Behaviour that stimulate the transition to a Circular Built Environment.

Keywords— Built Environment, Circular Economy, Entrepreneurship, Innovation ... Read more