Abstract
The methodology was based on qualitative data gathered from three case studies and collected from semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted in the three municipalities. These, in turn, were selected from the participants in the Simplex program. This chapter highlights the role of national programs in the transfer of knowledge to the local municipalities as well as its importance in the development of their knowledge absorption capabilities.

Abstract

Abstract
The economic crisis which started in 2008 has demonstrated more clearly the importance of conjuncture aspects for organizational results evidencing associated opportunities and vulnerabilities. In such a context, if on one hand innovation is affected by investment reduction by most enterprises, on the other it has shown to be one of the “antidotes” against the crisis and appears as fertile soil for investments, in the organizational as well as in the territorial context. Enterprises and countries which maintained or even raised efforts toward innovation have demonstrated a higher resilience in times of difficulty. This study aims at identifying opportunities and threats to the innovation performance of firms by means of the study of the crisis effects upon external facilitators and barriers. Besides the literature review, case studies developed in Portuguese and Brazilian enterprises are used for the analysis of the practical effects of the identified aspects in two distinct realities in what concerns the economic crisis. The results show that although Portugal has suffered the crisis effects, in a general way, more than Brazil, when we look to innovation performance, Portugal has shown better results than Brazil during and after the crisis. This study contributes to enterprise and academic purposes since it classifies factors which influence innovation positive or negatively in times of crisis.

Abstract
Purpose - The importance of innovation as a generator of competitive advantage and the collaborative nature of this process are recurring themes in the literature. This paper aims to contribute to the improvement of knowledge about the relationship between supply chains and the innovation process by means of a systematic literature review. Methodology/approach - The method used consists of the identification, selection, analysis and synthesis of existing research on the subject and aims to ensure that the review is transparent, auditable and replicable. This paper presents the analysis of 94 papers from 37 journals and the major contributions are explored. Findings - The identification and analysis of relevant articles showed the complexity, timeliness and the wide-ranging character of the theme. The analysis of articles allowed the identification of facilitators of the innovation process, as well as five approaches applicable to supply chains to drive the innovation process. From these analyses, a model synthesising the main practices identified for improving innovation performance is presented. Research limitations/implications - When carrying out literature reviews, the selection of articles might be considered subjective. To circumvent this limitation, the papers have been assessed by three researchers. Practical implications - The results presented can be applied in the decision-making process by managers in the areas of innovation and supply chain. Originality/value - This paper synthesises knowledge involving the relationships between supply chains and the innovation process. The analysis is based on quantitative and qualitative criteria.

Abstract
Circular startups (CSUs) play a crucial role in the circular transition by developing circular business models (CBMs) that minimise resource use and narrow material and energy loops. However, empirical research on how CBMs shape growth strategies and how ecosystems enable or constrain scaling remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by analysing the growth strategy of CSUs, addressing their circularity, business model and scalability strategies. It analysed 44 CSUs operating in packaging and plastics, textiles and food, water and nutrients value chains, using a qualitative multiple-case design. Results show that CSUs predominantly adopt Commercial and ecosystem scalability strategies, linking replication and geographical expansion with access to partners, resources and markets, and implementing platform- or waste-based CBMs. The study expands existing frameworks by conceptualising Ecosystem Strategy as a core scalability approach and clarifying its mechanisms, offering guidance for entrepreneurs and policymakers seeking to foster circular transformation.