Research background: The value of clusters in developing advanced technology products and services as well as promoting regional growth is acknowledged by many policymakers and researchers (Lee et al., 2012). Hence, clusters are identified as enablers of the circular economy and resource efficiency in this study. Companies aim to enhance competencies and create competitive advantages in global competition and this can be achieved through pulling from a common and accessible pool of resources, information and demand for innovation which means that companies can profit from belonging to a cluster. Purpose of the article: The main aim of the article is to overview the scientific literature that addresses the circular economy, identify clusters and their role in the circular economy and suggest how small and medium enterprises could engage in a circular economy through clusters' performance development. Methods: Bibliometric literature analysis enables identifying the latest trends in scientific articles regarding a circular economy and clusters. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) allows for composing the scheme of the cluster?s competitive advantage within circular economy. Findings & Value added: The findings suggest that resource efficiency is considered to be one of the most important ambitions and clusters can work as enablers of a circular economy for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), gaining a competitive advantage at the same time. Clusters can encourage and provide conditions in which SMEs would turn to a circular economy. The scheme of Cluster's competitive advantage proposed by the author can help cluster's coordinators, policymakers and all the concerned parties to verify the importance of clusters' involvement in the circular economy.

Clusters are defined as geographically close groups of organizations that work together to gain a competitive advantage. Clusters’ shared activities involve knowledge sharing, a common pool of resources, innovations, and cooperation. From a more advanced perspective, clusters can work in industrial symbiosis sharing resources, energy, water, and other products. Tendencies of recent research indicate the growing interest in shifting to an efficient use of resources and sustainable development through the circular economy (CE). Clusters can work as enablers of CE to achieve a competitive advantage. The purpose of this study is to trace the relationships between cluster performance and shifting to the CE indicators. Correlation analysis was used as a method to indicate the relationships between pairs of clusters’ performance and shifting to the CE indicators. The limitations of the research refer to the selection of the indicators as both concepts gain insights, although still debatable. The results show that 16 out of 25 cluster performance indicators were identified that have strong or moderate relationships among pairs while shifting to the CE indicators. These indicators are recommended to be included in observation, benchmarking, or evaluation of the clusters’ activities. They can be significant in monitoring the development of shifting to the CE or in combinations with other research areas.

The purpose of this study is to examine the intensity of technology and knowledge transfer to the selected Baltic countries through foreign direct investment. The intensity of technology and knowledge transfer across the Baltic countries varies widely, with Estonia showing the leading position in the Baltic region. The amount of foreign direct investment in three countries is linked with the level of technology and knowledge transfer. It is indicated that during the Financial Crisis in 2008, the extent of foreign direct ownership changed in all three countries and later recovered. In the aftermath of this disruption, countries recovered their stock Foreign direct investment attraction rates and almost reached their 2004 level. Latvia has achieved a 50 per cent increase among Baltic countries, benefiting from it. Foreign direct investment and technology transfer increased through effective strategies and policies. In contrast, Estonia maintains a sustained stock foreign direct investment and has moderately lower margins than in other Baltic countries. Among countries, Estonia is the dominant stock FDI absorber in the Baltic region and have made significant contributions in the region.

Research purpose. The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a fundamental framework for advancing sustainable resource consumption, based on the continuous circulation of materials through reduction, reuse, and recycling principles. Its principal goal is to preserve the value of products and materials for as long as possible, minimise resource inputs and waste generation, and eventually return materials to the economic system to create new value. Design / Methodology / Approach. Using a bibliometric analysis, the study examines publications in the Scopus database to identify key themes, research trends, influential works, leading journals, and prominent authors contributing to this emerging discourse. Findings. The findings indicate a growing academic interest in circular literacy, including its role as an enabler of societal readiness for CE adoption. Based on the bibliometric results, the article outlines a research roadmap that positions circular literacy as an essential socio-cultural dimension alongside technological and economic CE strategies. Originality / Value / Practical implications. The study contributes originality and value by synthesising the evolving conceptual landscape, identifying theoretical and empirical gaps, and delineating interdisciplinary linkages between CE, literacy studies, and sustainability transitions research. In practical terms, it provides a conceptual foundation for future empirical models and policy frameworks that may support the development of targeted educational initiatives, public engagement strategies, and institutional interventions.

This study examines established circular economy clusters in Europe, focusing on their structure, strategies, and impact. The principal objectives are to categorize clusters based on circular models, assess their economic and environmental contributions, and identify key success factors. The investigation covers industrial symbiosis, biobased production, and policy-led frameworks. The study employs a comparative analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) and policy frameworks. The findings indicate that collaboration, innovation, and government support are critical factors in driving cluster success while regulatory and market barriers remain challenges. The conclusion emphasizes the need for policy incentives, cross-sector cooperation, and investment in circular innovation to accelerate sustainability.