Adoption of the circular economy by small and medium-sized enterprises in the Red River Delta

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of the circular economy among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Red River Delta, using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical framework. Based on survey data from 216 SMEs, the findings reveal that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control all have a positive impact on the intention to adopt circular economy practices, with subjective norms exerting the strongest influence. Moreover, intention significantly affects the actual level of adoption, although a gap remains between intention and implementation. Notably, training programs are found to moderate the relationship between perceived behavioral control and intention. Based on these insights, the study recommends enhancing training initiatives, strengthening business networks, supporting technological advancement, and improving institutional frameworks to encourage broader and more effective circular economy adoption among SMEs in the region.