ABSTRACT
Colombia has historically been largely dependent on the predominant linear economic model. However, current environmental problems and global economy deceleration are challenging the country to find new ways to grow the economy without harming the environment. The circular economy (CE) offers a development narrative which promotes prosperity while regenerating natural capital via innovation and new business models as opposed to current natural resources extraction strategies. This narrative contains valuable insights for Colombian development, while the Colombian context provides a useful perspective on mainstream Eurocentric CE narratives. This chapter explores the enablers that would facilitate the transition towards a CE in Colombia given its specific circumstances such as development gaps in infrastructure and a large informal sector involved in recycling. An enabling framework is proposed based on the literature and validated by expert input. This framework is used as a baseline to assess the current state of CE in Colombia and to identify the main interventions that are required to support a transition towards a more circular economy. The assessment shows that Colombia does not yet have the right enabling conditions for a CE. Several opportunities are identified: greater political coherence; a suitable fiscal framework for sustainable practices; a robust IT infrastructure; and use of ICT by enterprises to develop CE business models. Moreover, a safe and profitable recovery of materials requires enhancing current practices of recycling. Finally, it is important to promote financing schemes and to develop design-led approaches to production among the industrial sector to foster innovation as a key building block of a CE as well as educational and raising awareness initiatives to support a mind-set shift. The findings of this work are specific to Colombia but have relevance for CE transitions in other low and middle-income economies.
