Abstract
This book examines the social dimension of the circular economy, with a particular focus on industrial symbiosis (IS), a business model where the waste or by-products of one firm serve as inputs for another, mimicking natural ecosystems. While the environmental and economic benefits of IS are well documented, this volume addresses a critical knowledge gap: its impact on employment, particularly in developing countries. Through case studies in six nations across Africa and Latin America, the research explores both quantitative and qualitative employment effects, barriers, enablers, and the skills required in IS networks. By analyzing data from Benin, South Africa, Tanzania, Argentina, Colombia, and Costa Rica, the book offers new insights into how IS can drive sustainable job creation. The findings highlight the potential of IS to generate direct, indirect, and induced employment while identifying institutional frameworks and policy recommendations necessary to enhance its benefits for workers, particularly in emerging economies.