Ananthi Rajayya

Globally, economies are experiencing a paradigm shift from linear production practices (make–use–dispose) towards circular economy (CE) pathways as critical development strategies to achieve Agenda 2030. In the context of the progressive shift to CEs, we critically review extant literature to comprehend the trends and constraints concerning the adoption of CE practices, with a primary focus on India. Our review reveals the growing body of literature encompassing a range of CE practices prevalent in multiple domains globally. We also discuss the emergent trends and patterns in adopting CE across sectors in India. Our study also confirms that implementing the transition to CE with ad hoc policies or as a tactical response to external or internal stimuli is unsustainable; instead, it necessitates organisational agility and strategic collaboration among stakeholders. We also identify consumer perceptions and economic feasibility as the most significant criteria determining the institutionalisation of CE. Further, responding to calls for an investigation into the CE in small and medium enterprises in India, we present a conceptual framework that can enable a non-disruptive transition towards CE. This framework discusses the interlinkages of the above objectives and underscores the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders towards a sustainable CE. When practices align with these objectives, firms can successfully manage low environmental impacts while enhancing their economic relevance and social responsibility. The paper also adds to the ongoing investigations into the intersection of the Circular Economy (CE) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by outlining both direct connections (SDG 12) and indirect relationships (SDGs 2, 6, 8, and 13) among the three key pillars of CE: society, environment, and economy.

The customer service sector across global businesses, particularly e-commerce, has transformed by adopting AI-powered customer service chatbots. As Kerala is considered to be the most digitally literate state in India a sample of 150 respondents was taken to examine those variables impacting adoption of AI-powered customer service chatbots among Female Gen Z. In this research, by utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework many key drivers were identified and these insights will help business organizations design more effective chatbot solutions tailored to these demographics. The AI chatbot technology is designed to be responsive to the needs of women, providing them with an easily accessible and user-friendly product that aligns with their digital preferences. This paper identifies privacy and trust issues as key vulnerabilities for Female Gen Z, highlighting the need to address gender-based barriers in AI chatbot adoption. It offers solutions such as enhancing trust and security while promoting gender-sensitive technology design.

Globally, economies are experiencing a paradigm shift from linear production practices (make-use-dispose) towards circular economy (CE) pathways as critical development strategies to achieve Agenda 2030. In the context of the progressive shift to CE, we critically review extant literature to comprehend the trends and constraints concerning adopting CE practices. Our review reveals burgeoning literature encompassing a gamut of CE practices prevalent in multiple domains globally. We also discuss the emergent trends and patterns in adopting CE across sectors in India. Our study also confirms that implementing the transition to CE with ad hoc policies or as a tactical response to external or internal stimuli is unsustainable; instead, it necessitates organisational agility and strategic collaboration among stakeholders. We also identify consumer perceptions and economic feasibility as the most significant criteria determining the institutionalisation of CE. Further, responding to calls for investigation of CE in small and medium enterprises, we present a conceptual framework that can enable a non-disruptive transition towards CE. We contribute to existing explorations into the overlap of CE and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by conceptualising a direct (SDG12) and indirect (SDGs 2, 6, 8, and 13) link between the three major stakeholders of CE (society, environment, and economy. This framework discusses the interlinkages of the above objectives and underscores the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders toward a sustainable circular economy. When practices align with these objectives, firms can successfully manage low environmental impacts while enhancing their economic relevance and social responsibility.