Nermin Gnam is Global Director Service at Einhell Germany AG, with international leadership experience in service transformation, digitalisation and customer experience. He previously held senior executive roles at Electrolux, MediaMarktSaturn Service Group and Whirlpool, with full P&L responsibility and a strong focus on sales, marketing, business development and ESG-driven transformation.
Nermin Gnam will defend his Executive Doctorate of Business Administration (EDBA) in March 2026, “, under the supervision of Professor Andreas Kallmünzer, Excelia Business School, France. His research explores how regulatory pressure influences stakeholder collaboration in the Circular Economy, based on an exploratory study in the household appliance industry.
Thesis Direction
Prof Kallmünzer Andreas
Thesis Title
The tension between stakeholders, regulation and cooperation in the circular economy – An exploratory study on cooperation in the circular economy using the example of the household appliance industry
Abstract
This dissertation examines how political and regulatory frameworks influence collaboration between key stakeholders in the circular economy, using the household appliance industry as a representative case. The study responds to the increasing relevance of circularity for industry competitiveness, compliance, and sustainability, and highlights the need for coordinated action across manufacturers, policymakers, recyclers, retailers, and society.
The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory design based on extensive expert interviews across the sector. This approach provides deep insights into how institutional pressures, regulatory expectations, and differing stakeholder logics shape cooperation throughout the product lifecycle.
The findings reveal a series of recurring patterns:
1. Regulation acts as a primary external driver, yet is often perceived as fragmented, ambiguous, or inconsistently implemented.
2. Stakeholder collaboration is hindered by unclear responsibilities, differing interpretations of circular economy requirements, and limited transparency in information flows.
3. Trust, shared understanding, and cross-organizational learning are decisive factors that enable cooperation.
4. Governance structures—both formal and informal—play a central role in aligning interests and facilitating joint action.
For managers in the household appliance industry, the study provides several practical implications. Companies must strengthen internal and external governance systems, enhance data transparency across the value chain, and proactively engage with policymakers to anticipate regulatory developments. Collaboration should be approached as a strategic capability: firms that position themselves as reliable partners in circular value networks can reduce compliance risks, stabilize supply chains, and unlock new business opportunities such as repair services, refurbishment models, and material recovery schemes. Building trustful relationships and establishing continuous communication channels with stakeholders are essential to overcoming institutional and organizational barriers.
The managerial recommendations highlight:
• the importance of early regulatory engagement and proactive interpretation of EU circular economy legislation,
• the need to strengthen cross-functional alignment within companies,
• the strategic value of partnerships with recyclers, repair networks, and logistics providers,
• the development of clear governance and accountability structures, and • the integration of circularity objectives into product design, customer service, and post-use processes.
Overall, this study shows that circular economy transformation in the household appliance sector depends not only on technological innovation but, above all, on effective collaboration across the ecosystem. Managers who understand and actively shape stakeholder relationships and regulatory interfaces will be better positioned to navigate the transition and create longterm competitive advantages.