Navigating Global Regulations for Sustainable Electronics: A Strategic Innovation Framework

The electronics sector faces growing pressure to adopt Circular Economy (CE) principles. This study explores how environmental regulations, technological innovation, and different business approaches shape this transition, aiming to provide a strategic guide. The study analyzed 78 publications from 2012-2025 using a combined literature review and bibliometric analysis from key academic databases. The findings confirm increasing research interest in this area. Environmental regulations are shown to be powerful drivers for sustainable change in the industry. Key strategies identified include designing products for sustainability, using advanced recycling methods, and adopting circular business models, such as offering products as a service. However, significant challenges remain, including inconsistent policies across regions, differences in infrastructure, and the complexity of global supply chains. Research hotspots focus on recycling, resource recovery, and the roles of various stakeholders. Based on these insights, the study proposes a conceptual framework to help develop regionally appropriate circular economy business models for managing electronic waste. This framework offers practical guidance for businesses and policymakers, emphasizing how regulations can spur innovation and why locally adapted solutions are essential for a successful circular transition, moving beyond one-size-fits-all strategies.