Resources involved in Circular Supply Chains: A review of mechanisms and dynamics for Supply Chain Learning

Implementing circular economy (CE) strategies in supply chains requires firms to acquire new resources, capabilities, and knowledge, often developed collaboratively with supply chain partners. While collaboration is widely acknowledged as essential for CE, the mechanisms through which learning occurs across supply networks remain underexplored. To address this gap, this study adopts a systematic literature review and draws on Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT) and Supply Chain Learning (SCL) to conceptualize how knowledge and capabilities emerge through collaborative circular initiatives. We identify two distinct yet interconnected stages: a monitoring phase, where firms sense CE opportunities and assess resources, and an orchestration mechanism (OM) phase, where structuring, bundling, and leveraging of resources drive knowledge creation and capability development. The analysis highlights the influence of key contextual factors – such as trust, power dynamics, supply chain position, and geographical proximity – on learning dynamics and outcomes. Findings also reveal how different knowledge types (technical, business, process) are created and shared across the OM phases. Finally, we propose a research agenda that calls for empirical and context-sensitive approaches to deepen understanding of SCL in CE implementation. The study offers theoretical contributions to CE and SCL literature and practical insights for firms seeking to foster adaptive and collaborative circular supply chains.