Dissertation Title: Advancing the Circular Economy in Developing Countries: Business Models, Entrepreneurial Goals, and Strategic Pathways for Sustainable Developmentnscary in Albania 

• Author: Ervisa NDOKA

• Institution: University of Tirana,  Faculty of Economics, Department of Management

• Field of study: Management

• Publication date: 09.01.2026

• The dissertation is published in Albanian.

© Copyright: Ervisa NDOKA

Published by the University of Tirana
Based on legal acts, regulations and policies of the UT

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Abstract 

The increasingly unstable economic environment and global environmental challenges have drawn attention to new economic alternatives, such as the circular economy. However, developing countries, including Albania, are still in the early stages of this transition. This study analyzes the Albanian context towards the circular economy and sustainable development at three levels of operation: macro, meso and micro. Initially, a literature review is conducted on circular business models in developing countries, identifying the factors that promote or hinder their adoption. Then, through the Fuzzy method, the factors that influence the implementation of circular practices in Albanian businesses are assessed. Finally, an empirical model based on the theory of planned behavior is built to examine the intentions of Albanian students for sustainable entrepreneurship. The results at all three levels show that the transformation towards the circular economy requires a sustainable interaction between public policies, managerial practices and green education. By creating an analytical and strategic framework, the dissertation contributes to improving public policies, strengthening business practices, and empowering the younger generation towards sustainable entrepreneurship. 

Field: Management and Administration 

Keywords:  Circular Economy, Sustainability, Sustainable Entrepreneurship Goals, Circular Business Models, Theory of Planned Behavior 

 

 

Extended  

The increasingly unstable economic environment and global environmental challenges have drawn attention to new economic alternatives, such as the circular economy. However, developing countries, including Albania, are still in the early stages of this transition. This study analyzes the Albanian context towards the circular economy and sustainable development at three levels of operation: macro, meso, and micro. Initially, a literature review is conducted on circular business models in developing countries, identifying the factors that promote or hinder their adoption. Then, through the Fuzzy method, the factors that influence the implementation of circular practices in Albanian businesses are assessed. Finally, an empirical model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior is built to examine the intentions of Albanian students towards sustainable entrepreneurship. The results at all three levels demonstrate that the transformation towards a circular economy necessitates a sustainable interplay between public policies, managerial practices, and green education. By creating an analytical and strategic framework, the dissertation contributes to the improvement of public policies, the strengthening of business practices, and the empowerment of the younger generation towards sustainable entrepreneurship. 

Field of study: Management and Administration  

Keywords: Circular Economy, Sustainability, Sustainable Entrepreneurial Intentions, Circular Business Models, Planned Behavior Theory