How to activate circular economy knowledge creating, transferring, and retaining? Exploration, exploitation, information technology, and external network utilization within the Italian constructions

The study investigates supporting processes for the introduction of circular economy (CE) innovation in the Italian construction sector. Considering the sector importance for European (environmental policies, and the key role of small and medium enterprises ( for the EU economy, the study contributes in identifying the influence of specific strategical approaches, i e explorative, exploitative, on the activation of organizational learning (OL) processes, identified in knowledge creating, transferring, and retaining, oriented to CE. Additionally, the use of external networks, and IT operations is investigated in relation to OL Identifying such relationships might support SME managers in activating sustainability oriented strategies and organizational solutions, via appropriate economic, structural, and personnel allocation, resilience and efficiency All would result in transitioning construction SMEs into CE