Izvorni znanstveni članak

https://doi.org/10.38190/ope.16.1.5

The role of AI automation in advancing resource efficiency and circular economy practices in SMES

Aleksandar Gračanac orcid.org/0009-0004-5801-1199
Jovan Kojić orcid.org/0009-0004-5801-1199 *

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

This paper examines the relationship between artificial
intelligence (AI) automation, resource efficiency, and circular economy
practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the
European Union and Serbia. Data were collected through a structured
online questionnaire targeting owners and senior managers of SMEs
and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple
linear regression, and non-parametric group comparisons. The results
indicate a strong positive relationship between sustainability-related
indicators and circular economy implementation, while AI automation
shows a moderate but statistically significant association with circular
practices. Regression findings demonstrate that organizational
resilience and the regulatory environment significantly enhance the
explanatory power of models beyond AI adoption alone. Comparative
analysis reveals notable differences in regulatory perceptions between
EU and Serbian SMEs, whereas levels of digitalization and sustainability
practices remain comparable. The findings confirm that AI-driven
digital transformation supports circular economy adoption primarily
when embedded within supportive organizational and institutional
contexts.
Keywords: artificial intelligence; digital transformation; resource
efficiency; circular economy; SMEs

Ključne riječi

artificial intelligence; digital transformation; resource efficiency; circular economy; SMEs

Hrčak ID:

347802

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/347802

Datum izdavanja:

12.6.2026.

Posjeta: 0 *