Adopting multi-R strategies for circular economy in emerging economies : case study of Moroccan SMEs[Adoption des stratégies multi-R pour l'économie circulaire dans les économies émergentes : étude de cas des PME marocaines]

The circular economy (CE) represents an innovative approach to addressing contemporary environmental, social, and economic challenges. This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of circular practices by Moroccan small and medium enterprises (SMEs), focusing on economic, technological, and institutional dimensions. Based on empirical data from 250 SMEs across Morocco's major economic regions, the research highlights how access to funding, clean technologies, and managerial awareness serve as key drivers of this transition. The findings reveal that financial and technological resources significantly promote the adoption of multi-R approaches (reduce, reuse, recycle), while institutional constraints pose substantial barriers. Moreover, sectoral disparities are evident, with higher adoption rates in industry and services compared to commerce. This study offers strategic recommendations to accelerate the circular transition of Moroccan SMEs, including public incentives, institutional reforms, and enhanced stakeholder awareness. The findings contribute to academic discussions on CE in emerging economies while providing practical insights for policymakers and businesses.