Peer Review Policy

The Journal of Circular Economy Innovations (JCEI) follows a rigorous, transparent, fair, and independent peer-review process to ensure the quality, originality, methodological reliability, ethical compliance, and research integrity of published articles.

The journal follows a double-blind peer-review model, in which the identities of authors and reviewers remain confidential throughout the evaluation process. This approach ensures impartial assessment and reduces potential bias related to author identity, institutional affiliation, geographical location, academic background, or professional position.

Reviewers are selected independently of the authors and are assigned based on their subject expertise and academic competence. Reviewer identities are not disclosed to authors during or after the review process. Peer review supports editorial decision-making; however, undergoing peer review does not guarantee acceptance. The final publication decision is based on manuscript quality, originality, methodological soundness, ethical compliance, relevance to the journal scope, and overall scholarly contribution.

Peer Review Process

All submitted manuscripts undergo a structured evaluation process:

Manuscript Submission → Initial Editorial Assessment → Research Integrity and Similarity Checks → External Double-Blind Peer Review → Author Revision (if required) → Final Editorial Decision → Publication

The journal maintains a systematic review workflow to ensure that manuscripts receive appropriate academic evaluation before publication.

Initial Editorial Assessment

Each submitted manuscript undergoes an initial assessment by the editorial team before external peer review.

The editorial assessment evaluates:

Alignment with the aims and scope of the journal.
Originality and potential contribution to existing knowledge.
Relevance to circular economy, sustainability, and related interdisciplinary research areas.
Appropriateness of research design, methodology, and analytical approach.
Compliance with manuscript preparation requirements.
Ethical declarations, authorship information, and research integrity considerations.
Similarity screening and preliminary research integrity checks.

Manuscripts that are outside the journal scope, lack sufficient scholarly contribution, fail to meet minimum academic standards, or raise ethical concerns may be rejected without external peer review.

External Double-Blind Peer Review

Manuscripts that successfully complete the initial editorial assessment are evaluated through external double-blind peer review.

Each manuscript is normally reviewed by at least two independent reviewers with relevant subject expertise. Additional reviewers may be invited when required due to interdisciplinary research areas, specialized methodological evaluation, conflicting reviewer recommendations, or the need for further expert assessment.

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

Originality and significance of the research contribution.
Relevance and importance of the research problem.
Theoretical foundation and engagement with relevant literature.
Research methodology and analytical validity.
Reliability and interpretation of results.
Quality of discussion and conclusions.
Ethical compliance and research transparency.
Potential theoretical, practical, technological, environmental, or policy contributions.

Reviewers are expected to provide detailed, constructive, and evidence-based comments that support editorial decisions and help authors improve manuscript quality.

Reviewer Selection and Responsibilities

Reviewers are selected according to their:

Subject expertise and research specialization.
Academic qualifications and research experience.
Relevant publication background.
Independence from manuscript authors.
Ability to provide objective scholarly evaluation.

The journal avoids assigning reviewers who may have personal, professional, financial, or academic conflicts of interest with authors or the submitted research.

Reviewers are expected to:

Maintain strict confidentiality of submitted manuscripts.
Provide unbiased, objective, and constructive evaluations.
Identify methodological weaknesses, ethical concerns, and research limitations.
Declare conflicts of interest before accepting review assignments.
Complete reviews within the assigned review period whenever possible.
Avoid using unpublished manuscript information for personal or professional advantage.
Maintain responsible review practices consistent with scholarly publishing ethics.

Reviewer Quality and Monitoring

JCEI maintains appropriate standards for reviewer selection and performance evaluation. Reviewer suitability is assessed based on subject expertise, quality of previous reviews, adherence to confidentiality requirements, and timely completion of assigned evaluations.

The journal periodically reviews its peer-review practices to improve transparency, efficiency, fairness, and consistency in manuscript evaluation.

Expected Peer Review Timeline

The Journal of Circular Economy Innovations (JCEI) aims to provide an efficient and transparent peer-review process. The journal normally aims to complete the initial peer-review process within 1–2 weeks from the assignment of manuscripts to reviewers.

The total review duration may vary depending on manuscript complexity, reviewer availability, reviewer response time, revision requirements, additional expert evaluation, and editorial assessment.

Authors are informed appropriately when unexpected delays affect the review process. The journal prioritizes a fair and academically rigorous evaluation process rather than decisions based solely on speed.

Editorial Decision Process

After completion of the peer-review process, the editor evaluates reviewer comments, manuscript quality, ethical considerations, and the overall suitability of the submission before making a final decision.

Possible editorial decisions include:

Accept

The manuscript is accepted for publication without requiring substantial modifications.

Minor Revision

The manuscript requires limited corrections or improvements before final acceptance.

Major Revision

The manuscript requires significant changes and may undergo additional evaluation after revision.

Reject

The manuscript does not meet the required standards of originality, academic quality, methodology, ethical compliance, or relevance to the journal scope.

Reviewer recommendations are carefully considered; however, the final publication decision remains the responsibility of the Editor-in-Chief or authorized editorial representatives.

Revision Process

Authors submitting revised manuscripts should provide a clear response explaining how reviewer comments have been addressed. Revised manuscripts may be returned to original reviewers or evaluated by the editor depending on the nature and extent of revisions.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a reasoned explanation with relevant supporting information. Appeals are reviewed carefully according to the journal’s editorial procedures and publication ethics principles.

The journal ensures that complaints, concerns, and appeals are handled fairly, transparently, and independently.

Use of Artificial Intelligence During Peer Review

Reviewers must protect manuscript confidentiality throughout the review process. Reviewers should not upload submitted manuscripts, unpublished research data, reviewer reports, or confidential editorial materials to external artificial intelligence tools or platforms that may compromise confidentiality, intellectual property rights, or research integrity.

Reviewer Recognition

JCEI recognizes the valuable contribution of peer reviewers in maintaining scholarly quality and responsible publishing practices. The journal may acknowledge reviewer contributions through appropriate recognition mechanisms while ensuring that reviewer confidentiality is maintained.

Post-Publication Concerns and Scholarly Record Management

The Journal of Circular Economy Innovations (JCEI) is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. The journal addresses post-publication concerns, corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions through transparent procedures consistent with responsible publishing practices.

Any identified issues affecting published content are evaluated carefully, and appropriate corrective actions are taken when necessary.

Commitment to Responsible Peer Review

The Journal of Circular Economy Innovations (JCEI) is committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and ethical peer-review system based on independence, confidentiality, academic expertise, and responsible research practices.

The journal continuously improves its editorial and peer-review procedures to support trustworthy scholarly communication and promote high-quality research in circular economy and related interdisciplinary fields.