Entrepreneurial Circular Ecosystems in the Context of Urban Agriculture: an alternative for food sustainability in cities

Abstract

Amid increasing urbanization and the need for a sustainable food supply chain, Urban Agriculture (UA) emerges as a promising alternative to promote more sustainable and resilient urban communities, especially when implemented under the principles of the circular economy. Additionally, entrepreneurial action and an ecosystem approach involving the cooperation of multiple actors in the urban context play significant roles. Research on this topic is still in its early stages. Thus, this article aims to identify potential actors in the literature to form an Entrepreneurial Circular Ecosystem (ECE) of Urban Agriculture (UA) that provides sustainable development. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The articles were reviewed through content analysis using NVivo 12 software. Among the essential elements for the development of an ECE in UA are the necessity of multidisciplinary partnerships, technological innovation, cultural change, entrepreneurial action, cooperation among diverse ecosystem actors, and engagement of local communities. Additionally, the importance of an orchestrating organization that synergistically unites all stakeholders is emphasized. The study also highlights the need for public policies and initiatives to promote UA and encourage collaboration among different actors in the urban ecosystem to achieve more sustainable and resilient cities in the future.