The Circular Economy

Although circular economy (CE) is closely associated with the management of waste, it is a concept that extends beyond the waste. Different concepts and terminologies are discussed in this chapter to develop a common understanding of CE. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide a common vision of ensuring sustainability of the planet Earth, and different countries such as South Africa have developed appropriate framework conditions for CE sociotechnical transition. The science, technology and innovation (STI) stakeholders have an important role of accelerating achievement of CE in resource-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and mining. Patent analysis shows that South Africa is lacking behind the world’s average in developing the innovations that promote circularity of the economy. However, this can be addressed through the revitalisation of the innovation competitiveness as a whole of the South African private sector. In general, CE is not new in South Africa with some successes, and there is a need to deepen and modernise its practices.