Analysis of the circular management model of information and communication technology resources of large enterprises in the European Union

Objective: The aim of this article is to determine the level of differentiation of large enterprises operating in the European Union in terms of the sustainable use of information and communications technology tools and to reduce the dimension of variables describing the circular model of managing information and communications technology solutions. Research Design & Methods: We used quantitative analysis, considering secondary data from the Eurostat database for 2022 from the information and communications technology (ICT) and the environment by the size class of the enterprise section. We conducted a pilot study using data from large enterprises from 27 European Union countries. We analysed data using the diagnostic-descriptive method, principal component analysis, MOORA method, and linearly ordered object grouping. Findings: The research results indicate that large enterprises represent different levels of circularity in the use of green IT/ICT related to the selection, use, and disposal of devices. Most entities operating in 18 European Union countries achieve an average level of circularity of ICT devices. Thus far, they have not included the reuse of ICT devices in the procedure consistent with the 3R circularity principle. The process of selecting, recovering, and recycling ICT equipment is carried out unevenly and in stages. On the other hand, the indicator of pro-environmental involvement displays low intensity, and in such a situation, the surveyed entities did not achieve the strategic goals assumed by the European Union in the field of circular economy regarding the selection and use of ICT equipment. Implications & Recommendations: The research results enable managers to develop circular business models by reducing the consumption of raw materials, waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy. They support strategic decisions on the transition from a linear model of ICT equipment management to a circular model. They also support European Union policymakers in developing legal regulations aimed at closing material and energy loops. Moreover, they provide guidance on the allocation of financial support to improve the level of circularity of large enterprises. Contribution & Value Added: The article makes a significant contribution to the development of the circular economy theory by developing an original indicator of pro-environmental involvement in the process of selecting ICT equipment and conducting a comprehensive analysis of circularity in the management of ICT devices in large enterprises of the European Union. The conducted research reveals significant differences in the implementation of the principles of the circular economy in the countries studied, constituting a starting point for further actions to improve efficiency and transfer best practices in this area.