This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) on Circular Economy (CE) strategies in the manufacturing sector, with a specific focus on their contribution to sustainable growth and resilience. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 259 peer-reviewed publications from seven major databases were screened, resulting in 46 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Bibliometric mapping and thematic synthesis reveal that although CE research is expanding rapidly, only 11% of studies address small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. Key strategies consistently highlighted include closed-loop supply chains, eco-design, industrial symbiosis, and product-as-a-service, which demonstrate measurable environmental and economic benefits. However, implementation remains constrained by non-harmonized CE indicators, institutional gaps, and limited digital integration, particularly in Global South contexts such as Sri Lanka. To address these gaps, this paper introduces three strategic contributions: (i) a Circular Economy Maturity Matrix (CEMM) to assess SME progress, (ii) a Policy-Technology Alignment Map linking regulatory instruments with CE practices, and (iii) a set of lightweight CE indicators tailored for SMEs in resource-constrained settings. These tools provide a context-sensitive foundation for bridging CE adoption with systems thinking, resilience engineering, and Industry 4.0 integration. By synthesizing fragmented insights and proposing actionable frameworks, the paper establishes a strategic reference for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars seeking to advance CE-driven resilience in manufacturing, with relevance for developing economies.
Rathnakumara et al. (Fri,) studied this question.