Abstract for: Developing a Circular Value Ecosystem based on Residues and Wastes: The case of Higueras Village, Mexico

Regions must be redesigned in order to be sustainable economically competitive and socially inclusive. The achievement of sustainable wealth is a complex phenomenon that includes multiple players, conditions and uncertain links among stakeholders. In this paper, we present how to assemble a “circular connected value ecosystem” and its behavior, implemented to create sustainable wealth among synergies of different stakeholders in a region. The Regional Circular Value Ecosystems (RCVE) is a synergic space where products, residues and waste (R/W) are interconnected and transformed into valuable products. To be able to observe the dynamics of all synergies within a region is a complex problem that must be modeled before decisions are taken. A case study of the village of Higueras, Mexico is selected to support this new approach to achieve sustainable wealth creation that can be replicated for developing countries. The case includes the system dynamics modeling of the main economic activities within the region. Simulation results supports our hypothesis, that the proper systemic seizing of the potential of R/W through the use of innovation with a systemic approach, new disruptive business models and appropriate technology and processes, is an effective way to transform a region into a self-sustainable community.