Research networks organized around a particular topic are built as knowledge is produced and socialized. These are parts of a seminal or initial production, to which new authors and subtopics are added until research and knowledge networks are formed around a particular area. The purpose of the research was to find this type of relationship or network between authors, institutions, and countries that have contributed to the issue of the circular economy and specifically its relationship with sustainability. This allows those interested in the said object of study to know the research advances of the network, enter their research lines, or create new networks according to their interests or needs. The study used a bibliometric-type descriptive quantitative approach using the Scopus scientific database, the R Studio data analytics application, and the Bibliometrix library. The results were found to determine a relationship building from 2006, which makes it an emerging topic. However, the growth it has achieved in recent years of more than 31% shows a strong interest in the subject. Of the subtopics that have been addressed, sustainability, recycling, solid waste, wastewater, and renewable energy. Similarly, sectors such as construction, the automotive industry, tourism, cities, the agricultural sector, the chemical industry, and the implementation of technologies 4.0 and 5.0 in their processes stood out. The most prominent country in the scientific approach to this area is Italy. The most prominent author for his citations is Molina-Moreno, the source of knowledge that stands out for his contributions is the University of Granada and different networks have been built around their knowledge.

This study investigates the core competencies essential for product designers to excel in cross-cultural global markets, with particular emphasis on implications for human resource development and organizational leadership. As design practices increasingly transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, designers are required to integrate advanced technical proficiency, creative problem-solving, technological adaptability, and cultural intelligence to create inclusive, socially responsible, and market-relevant products. Employing a mixed-methods approach—including focus groups and surveys with design professionals, industry executives, and academic leaders—the research identifies key competencies such as flexibility, intercultural communication, ethical integrity, and systems thinking. The findings underscore the necessity of balancing technical expertise with emotional intelligence and transformational leadership capabilities to effectively lead diverse, cross-functional teams. These competencies contribute significantly to fostering innovation, enhancing employee well-being and job satisfaction, and strengthening organizational resilience, thereby supporting sustainable human resource strategies. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of continuous professional development and lifelong learning in cultivating culturally competent and ethically driven design talent. The insights offer strategic guidance for human resource professionals, organizational leaders, and educational institutions aiming to develop adaptive, inclusive, and future-ready design capabilities aligned with evolving global demands.

The increased awareness of the environmental effects of petroleum based plastics has stimulated the coffee price emergence of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). In a bid to increase the sustainability of PLA agricultural residues of animal feeds (corn stover, rice straw, and soybean hulls) have been explored and examined as reinforcing fillers to PLA composites. The consideration of such applications is suitable to the goals of the circular economy as it recycles low-value agricultural products. The current review critically evaluates lately carried out life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on PLA composites that have implemented such waste fillers with the full focus being on their environmental performance as well as methodological consistency. The review shows that these fillers have a potential of reducing the amount of greenhouse emission, energy usage, and other environmental effects, compared to pure PLA. However, unevenness in LCA methodology, especially in functional units, the system boundaries, and impacts categories obstructs direct LCA comparisons. The 1997 State of the Market report also has limited options of feedstocks and the lack of appraisals in the socio-economic front, so the overall sustainability analysis is restricted. Some of the remaining limitations that can be critical are to have generalized LCA frameworks, extended exploration of waste-based fillers, as well as combination of techno-economic analysis and social impact. Future inquiries ought to devise design considerations that would optimize both the functional characteristics and the performance of the environment and improve the reliability of sustainability measures. This review is evidence to the potential of agricultural waste reinforced PLA composites in the progress towards environmentally friendly materials and the need of integrative evaluation in the sustainable maturation of bioplastics.