Assessment of Circular Economy Practices in a Regional Electronics Repair Network

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the adoption and impact of circular economy practices within a regional electronics repair network to address escalating electronic waste, resource extraction pressures, and fragmented repair ecosystems. The problem addressed is the underutilization of repair-centered circular strategies in a mid-sized metropolitan region, resulting in lower product longevity, increased landfill leakage, and missed opportunities for material recovery. The aim is to assess the extent, drivers, and outcomes of circular economy practices among repair service providers, refurbishers, and parts suppliers, with a view to informing policy and business strategy. Specific objectives are (a) to map the current circular interventions (repair, refurbish, remanufacture, and component recycling) across the network; (b) to identify organizational, technical, and regulatory determinants of circular practice adoption; (c) to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of these practices; (d) to examine customer attitudes and willingness to pay for repaired or refurbished devices; and (e) to develop a context-specific framework for scaling circular activities in regional electronics ecosystems. A mixed-methods design is employed, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative insights to deliver triangulated evidence. The population comprises 420 active participants across the regional electronics repair network, including 120 repair technicians, 60 refurbishers, 100 parts suppliers, and 140 managers from independent repair shops and regional authorized service centers. A stratified random sample of 240 respondents is drawn to achieve representation across function, company size, and service type. Data collection uses a structured questionnaire to measure circular economy practices, perceived benefits and barriers, and environmental performance, combined with semi-structured interviews (n=40) to capture in-depth perspectives on operational constraints and strategic decisions. Document analysis of 25 firm-level records and regional environmental reports supplements primary data. Validity and reliability are established through pilot testing (n=30), Cronbach’s alpha tests (? ? 0.78 for multi-item scales), and member checking for qualitative transcripts. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis to identify latent constructs of circular practices, and multiple regression to determine the relationship between adoption drivers (digital traceability, training, policy incentives) and environmental performance outcomes (waste diversion rate, material recovery rate, energy intensity). A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach tests the overall theoretical model linking organizational capabilities, regulatory pressure, and market demand to circular practice adoption and subsequent ecological and economic benefits. Qualitative data undergo thematic analysis, guided by the theory of planned behavior and the resource-based view, to reveal normative and cognitive determinants, capability gaps, and governance arrangements. Triangulation integrates findings to validate the robustness of the proposed framework. Key expected findings include (i) a positive association between formalized repair networks and higher material recovery rates; (ii) incremental environmental gains predominantly in repair and refurbish activities with diminishing returns where unofficial markets dominate; (iii) regulatory clarity and consumer awareness as critical levers for scaling circular practices; (iv) variability in economic outcomes based on firm size and access to certified component suppliers; and (v) a core set of capabilities—traceability, certification, and standardized repair procedures—that predict sustained circular performance. These results will inform a context-specific framework for enhancing circularity, comprising policy instruments (incentives for repair and take-back), sectoral standards (common repair documentation and bill of materials), and business models (shared refurbishing facilities and modular device design). The study contributes to knowledge by operationalizing circular economy concepts within a regional electronics ecosystem, developing a measurable framework for assessing circular practice maturity, and elucidating the interaction between organizational capacity, policy context, and market demand. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers, industry associations, and firms to accelerate repair-based circularity, including standardized data exchange protocols, training curricula for technicians, and pilot programs for take-back and refurbishment hubs. The main conclusion asserts that integrated governance, capacity-building, and market mechanisms can substantially elevate circular practices in regional electronics networks, with substantial environmental benefits and potential for replication in similar urban-regional contexts. Recommendations include establishing regional certification schemes for repaired devices, fiscal incentives for repair and refurbishment, and the creation of a regional data platform to track material flows and performance metrics.