Circular Economy in the Global South: Co-creating a research agenda from the Industrial Ecology Society

Abstract The Global South faces unique sustainability challenges especially around the use and management of resources, providing a timely opportunity to understand and adapt Circular Economy (CE) approaches and initiatives, to chart a research agenda for these regions. During the 12th International Conference on Industrial Ecology (IE), ISIE Singapore 2025, we hosted the first special session to unpack the variety of research and key issues related to CE in the Global South. The session aimed to create shared learning and co-creation of a research agenda to prioritize the necessary elements for an effective, inclusive, and just CE transition. A total of 24 participants contributed to the session, representing 16 nationalities. In this paper, we discuss the key outcomes from the session, focusing on the most pressing research gaps, desirable characteristics of a comprehensive CE research agenda, and enablers needed to ensure alignment with both global priorities and local realities. Three core areas emerged as priorities for the IE community’s CE research agenda in the Global South: (1) improving data integrity and availability, especially addressing data collection methodologies for uncovering blind-spots such as those related to the informal economy; (2) combining quantitative IE tools with qualitative, transdisciplinary approaches to better address complex circular challenges; and (3) recognizing and integrating cultural practices and ancestral knowledge drawing on CE principles. By articulating these priorities, our IE society can support more grounded, context-sensitive, and inclusive CE research practices that respond to the specific needs and contributions of the Global South.