Circular Economy in the Tourism Industry: from Drivers and Barriers to Collective Intelligence

Purpose: This study investigates how the Circular Economy (CE) is conceptualized within the tourism sector. Specifically, it examines the extent to which current academic contributions present a fragmented or integrated understanding of CE drivers and barriers, organized across three criteria interpreted as expressions of distinct yet interrelated forms of business intelligence that should converge within collaborative organizational contexts. Methodology: By conducting a systematic literature review and a qualitative content analysis of academic articles, the study identifies and classifies the key drivers and barriers influencing CE adoption according to three criteria (governance, stakeholder relations, and innovation). Findings: Findings reveal that innovation and stakeholder relations are widely addressed in the existing literature, whereas governance remains underexplored. Furthermore, only a limited number of studies adopt a comprehensive perspective that integrates all three dimensions of business intelligence. Managerial implications: From a managerial standpoint, the study provides insights into how internal organizational intelligences can be aligned with external enablers to support CE implementation, particularly within SMEs. Research limitations: As with most systematic literature reviews and qualitative content analyses, the study is subject to inherent methodological limitations concerning article selection, interpretation, and generalizability. Originality: This paper offers an analytical lens for interpreting CE practices in service-based industries and emphasizes the need for more holistic and integrated approaches that harmonize technological, relational, and governance intelligences.