Background – Circular business models, CBMs, are an emerging topic of interest within the textile and clothing, T&C, sector. They provide a new framework to tackle current environmental and social issues by redesigning a linear model previously base on the assumption of endless availability of fossil fuels and other natural resources. CBMs change these underlying assumptions in order to be regenerative and waste-less. A company´s knowledge has to be aligned with the overarching paradigm and assumptions that guide the business model, hence, the process of creating new knowledge to sustain this shift, appears to be essential. Knowledge creation enables businesses to continuously adapt to new contexts and prevent them from becoming obsolete. As such, it constitutes an enabler to develop the internal capabilities of companies to innovate. Purpose - This study is focused on understanding how knowledge is created within T&C companies in the shift from a linear business model to a circular one. It is of interest for the study to uncover the ways in which knowledge about circularity is created and translated into business practices. Further, it also expects to explore the companies’ main internal barriers identified in this process. Methodology – The research was conducted through a single case study with an abductive approach, building on the theoretical perspective of Nonaka and Takeuchi’s knowledge creation theory and the SECI model for knowledge conversion. Semi-structured interviews with Dutch denim company employees were the basis for collecting primary data, supplemented by secondary data gathered through archival review. The data was analysed qualitatively through thematic content analysis. Findings – Results show that knowledge creation is enabled by personal motivation, company focus on circularity and long-lasting business relationships. Several knowledge creation practices related to the dimensions of socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation are identified, while different levels of process and knowledge complexity can be observed within each dimension. Internal barriers hindering circular knowledge creation relate to the complexity of circular concepts, individuals´ time, personal interest and previous knowledge on the topic. System-oriented internal barriers relate to finance, scale and company focus. Further, the role of regulations, as an external system-oriented barrier, is considered of relevance for this research. Practical implications & Research limitations – This thesis creates new insights into a relatively unexplored area, knowledge creation processes in the context of CBMs. Further the specific delimitation to the denim segment within the T&C sector, shares experience and guidance with practical implications for knowledge management, from companies within a segment which has a high degree of product and process innovation compared to other T&C segments.

Submitted by William Justo Figueiro (williamjf) on 2015-07-21T23:16:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 75c.pdf: 948103 bytes, checksum: d97ba03812274b5e03ccd2d08e5fedfe (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-21T23:16:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 75c.pdf: 948103 bytes, checksum: d97ba03812274b5e03ccd2d08e5fedfe (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Nenhuma / Esta dissertação teve por objetivo analisar a predisposição cultural de um grupo de médias e grandes indústrias de confecção de artigos do vestuário localizadas no Rio Grande do Sul para inovar através do Design. Por meio da análise teórica de alguns constructos essenciais à compreensão do problema de pesquisa, construiu-se um protocolo de investigação. Realizou-se, primeiramente, a identificação de fatores externos de competitividade do setor para, em seguida, construir um instrumento de coleta de dados que desse conta dos objetivos específicos. Com a identificação dos fatores internos de aprendizagem individual e organizacional, pretendeu-se avaliar a disposição cultural das empresas para inovar, tendo como pressuposto que a inovação orientada pelo Design pode ser compreendida como um ciclo de aprendizagem. A cadeia produtiva têxtil engloba diversos elos, sendo a indústria de confecção de artigos do vestuário aquele que está mais próximo das demandas dos consumidores finais. Desde os anos 1990, esse elo da cadeia vem sofrendo com a abertura de novos mercados e tem estado sob forte pressão para diferenciar-se em algum grau pelos métodos de produção ou preço, pressão esta que se acirra devido à globalização e à produção de bens desterritorializada. Examinar a estrutura dessas empresas frente a tal conjuntura mundial foi essencial para notar a necessidade latente da criação de estratégias e ações alicerçadas em uma metodologia que garanta a obtenção de vantagens competitivas sólidas frente às novas exigências. Este trabalho caracteriza-se como um Estudo de Caso do tipo descritivo exploratório, do ponto de vista de seus objetivos, e apresenta abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. / This thesis aimed to examine the cultural predisposition of a group of medium and large industries located in Rio Grande do Sul to innovate through Design. Through the analysis of some essential theoretical constructs to the comprehension of the research problem, was first built a research protocol. Held, first, the identification of external factors of competitiveness of the sector to then build an instrument of data collection seeking to achieve the specific goals. Identifying the internal factors of individual and organizational learning, we sought to assess the cultural disposition of businesses to innovate having the assumption that innovation driven-design can be understood as a learning cycle. The textile production chain includes various links, and the industry of garments is closest to the demands of consumers. Since the 1990s, the garments industry has been suffering with the opening of new markets and has been under strong pressure to differentiate themselves in some degree by the methods of production or price, that exacerbates this pressure due to globalization. Examine the structure of these companies facing such a situation was essential to note the latent need of the creation of strategies and actions founded upon a methodology that ensures the achievement of competitive advantages solid front to the new requirements. This work is characterized as a Case Study using descriptive and exploratory research methods in terms of its objectives, and presents quantitative and qualitative approach.