Circular Supply Chain Design for Sustainable Localization of High-Technology UAV Systems in Emerging Economies
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The globalization of high-technology supply chains has concentrated design and tech-nological control in advanced economies, limiting the industrial upgrading potential of emerging regions. At the same time, increasing sustainability pressures demand the integration of circular economy principles into production systems. However, existing research rarely integrates supply chain localization strategies, circular value creation mechanisms, and regional capability development within a unified explanatory framework. This study develops a conceptual circular supply chain framework for the sustainable localization of high-technology unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems in emerging economies. Drawing on localization theory, circular supply chain design, and capability accumulation literature, the framework conceptualizes localization as a systemic config-uration composed of three interdependent structural dimensions: (1) core technological supply chain processes, (2) transversal circular value creation mechanisms, and (3) re-gional capability accumulation pathways. Unlike linear acquisition models, the proposed framework embeds modularity, re-pairability, remanufacturing, and lifecycle management within the supply chain's op-erational architecture. This integration enables simultaneous outcomes in environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social upgrading. The framework further iden-tifies boundary conditions and aligns structurally with Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible production, industrial innovation, and climate action.