Bridging the current value gap

Business model perspectives on circular water management in agriculture

Bibliographic Data

ID19480938
AuthorsAnna M Hansson (0000-0002-2848-7717, Halmstad University, corresponding author), Senad Osmanovic (0009-0006-7889-5483, Halmstad University), Pia Ulvenblad (0000-0002-9584-3216, Halmstad University)
Year2026
Volume82
Pages101658
Publication date2026-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1877-3435 • E-ISSN: 1877-3443
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.cosust.2026.101658
OpenAlexW7161594490
LanguageEN
References cited76

Agricultural water management is vital for ecological resilience, yet the reintroduction of water-related landscape features (WLFs), such as wetlands, riparian buffers and hedgerows, remains limited in intensive farming systems. A bibliometric analysis of 433 Scopus-indexed articles shows that this field is currently dominated by biophysical and technical studies, with only an emerging body of research linking water management to circular economy and business-model innovation. Although the ecological benefits of WLFs are well documented, adoption is constrained by missing value-capture mechanisms, as most benefits occur beyond the farm. Drawing on value intention, the analysis shows how business managers’ motivations shape whether WLFs are seen as risks or opportunities. Thus, we argue that key drivers to shift perceptions include risk reduction, improved soil and water management and new circular-economy revenue streams. Advancing circular transitions requires research on value capture, differentiated business models, monetising resilience, resource recovery, landscape governance and behavioural barriers to adoption

Agriculture · Business management · Business model · Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment · Wastewater Treatment and Reuse · Water-Energy-Food Nexus Studies