Title
From Technological Flexibility to Sustainable Products: The Mediating Role of Environmental Scanning and Circular Economy Principles
Authors
[ 1 ] Instytut Zarządzania i Systemów Informacyjnych, Wydział Inżynierii Zarządzania, Politechnika Poznańska | [ P ] employee
Scientific discipline (Law 2.0)
Year of publication
2026
Published in
Article type
scientific article
Publication language
english
Keywords
Abstract
EN Technological flexibility is widely recognised as a driver of product innovation, yet its role in enabling the transition toward sustainable products remains insufficiently understood. This study addresses this gap by examining how technological flexibility shapes product–market strategies through two pathways: (1) Technological Flexibility – Environmental Scanning – Product-Market Strategies (T–E–S) and (2) Technological Flexibility – Envi-ronmental Scanning – Circular Economy Principles – Product-Market Strategies (T–E–C–S). Using an abductive design and a survey of 300 medium and large manufacturing firms in Poland, we analyse eight dimensions of environmental scanning, seven circular-design principles, and four Ansoff-based strategic orientations. Non-parametric correlation tests and Kruskal-Wallis analyses and post hoc test show that technological flexibility significantly increases environmental-scanning intensity. Yet only five macro-environmental segments trigger circular-design behaviour, and only two principles – repairability and waste minimisation translate into sustainable product strategies. Results reveal two competing logics: a commercial logic focused on market opportunities and an ecological logic centred on sustainable design. Their integration occurs only under high technological flexibility and scanning engagement. The study contributes new empirical evidence on mechanisms linking flexibility, scanning, circularity, and sustainability-oriented product innovation.
Date of online publication
24.12.2025
Pages (from - to)
183-1 - 183-20
Comments
Article number: 183
License type
CC BY (attribution alone)
Open Access Mode
open journal
Open Access Text Version
final published version
Release date
24.12.2025
Date of Open Access to the publication
at the time of publication
Full text of article
Access level to full text
public
Ministry points / journal
100
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