Innovation and the Circular Economy: A Collaboration for the Year of the Dragon

Success in a Circular Economy approach is founded on the ability to better manage your relationship with our ‘house’. Our house, of course, meaning the planet.

In part due to the economic boom driven by the Industrial Revolution, we forgot the importance of respecting the rules by which the planet operates. The planet’s ‘business model’ was conceived with a circular mindset, designed on a composite of intricate, interconnected, interdependent systems, to optimize relationships and resources. ‘Mother Nature’s’ business success is founded on 3.8 billion years of R&D. However, due to our disengagement with ‘Mother Nature’s’ rules, we do not have the luxury of time to bring our processes, our products and our services back into a safe operating space. We need to do better, now.

We need to accelerate the adoption of a circular economy that ensures we can be ‘green’ and resilient. This is where you ask how. (I knew you would.)

The concept of ‘circularity’ is not new, but like many innovative processes, ‘overnight’ success can take a few decades. It can take longer when we ‘go it’ alone, which is a good reason for collaboration. The math proves it. The clock is ticking.

Let’s consider the opportunity of a circular economy and the opportunity of bringing innovators in Hong Kong together with those in California. There is ample evidence that such a twinning has merit. As the Science and Tech Hub map shared by Visual Capitalist shows, Hong Kong, along with Shenzhen and Guangzhou, holds the number 2 spot, followed closely by San Jose, San Francisco in sixth place, San Diego in ninth and Los Angeles in 16th place.

Let’s think about this. Hong Kong has the innovative spirit that is intensified by the fact that it’s the auspicious year of the Dragon! What Hong Kong is constrained by is the fact that its innovators have a limited land area on which to expand past a pre-commercial stage. Californians also have innovation in their DNA and more land area.

But let’s not forget that California and Hong Kong are at risk due to weird weather associated with climate change, so greening innovation to do better is of fundamental importance to their success. Being able to address the question “Are You Climate Ready?” by using the action-based principles in a circular economy can augment efforts to be successful. Being able to leverage innovation in a collaborative manner is a distinct trade opportunity.

?A circular economy offers for profit companies with an array of choices, with one report stating the high profit potential from 27% out of 168 possible economic ventures. Aren’t you curious?

On February 28th, the Asian Circular Economy (ACEA/#ACEAHK) is hosting a webinar where I will be discussing the opportunity for courageous dragon-hearted innovators. https://lnkd.in/gwmuWjsj