A maturity model enhancing data-driven circular manufacturing

Circular Manufacturing (CM) adoption is highly reinforced by data exploitation, gathered, used and shared thanks to specific technologies. Manufacturers still need to be supported in using data to make more informed decisions in CM; to do that, they first need to be conscious of their current state. To achieve this goal, this study aims to develop a maturity model (MM) to evaluate manufacturers exploiting and valuing data in CM to support their decision-making processes. The MM, based on five levels and four analysis dimensions, operates the assessment through a questionnaire composed of normative answers. The model was conceived by relying on the scientific literature. It was verified and improved through focus groups and interviews and validated through a pilot application in two different manufacturing companies. Finally, the MM was applied in two other manufacturing companies to assess the empirical evidence of the obtainable benefits.