Digital platform for value co-creation in waste recycling: evidence from a case study

This paper aims to investigate the role of digital platforms in co-creating value in waste recycling. This research undertakes a single qualitative case study of Alpha, a small-sized innovative firm operating in a high fragmented context (Italy), that has developed a digital platform aimed to foster recycling practices engaging citizens, municipalities, and waste management companies in a shared co-production program. The case analysis relies on the Resource Interaction Approach as main analytical framework since it provides a practical tool - the 4R model - to classify the resources and value outcomes emerging from their integration. Findings contribute to the literature on waste management and digitalization, showing as digital platforms act as a circularity broker activating value co-creation processes between different categories of actors with a different impact on the process and outcomes of value co-creation