OECD - The Circular Economy in Valladolid, Spain

We are very proud to introduce the results of an 18-month policy dialogue with 50+ stakeholders to shape a vision and strategy for a circular economy in the city of Valladolid, Spain as part of the OECD Programme on the Circular Economy in Cities and Regions.

In the face of megatrends such as population growth in cities, urbanisation and climate change, the transition to a circular economy is becoming an imperative for cities of all sizes to reduce the pressure on natural resources, while addressing new infrastructure, services and housing needs, and boosting economic growth and environmental quality. Cities and regions are at the core of citizen well-being, in areas such as transport, solid waste, water or energy.

Moving from a take-make-dispose linear system to one in which resource waste is prevented, implies going beyond solely technical aspects and ensure governance and economic conditions are met. For the circular economy to materialise, policies need to be aligned, stakeholders engaged, and legal and regulatory frameworks enabling innovation.

This report summarises important milestones achieved so far. Its analytical framework puts People, Firms and Places at the centre of the shift towards a circular economy. It puts forward bold recommendations and concrete actions for Valladolid to act as promoter, facilitator and enabler of this transition. This requires political leadership and commitment towards the transition to sustainable pathways, as well as multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches, and new business models.

An important part of the work was the bottom-up and inclusive policy dialogue, whereby each stakeholder could share experience, listen and learn from each other, and benefit from expertise and guidance from peer cities and the OECD team.

While we are aware that we are just at the beginning of the transition from a linear to a circular economy in Valladolid, the city is committed to implement these recommendations and raise their profile within our community and globally. The OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities stands ready to support Valladolid with this endeavour. This will be all the more relevant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, when cities and regions will be urged to reconsider the link between environment and health, reflect on the de-materialisation of the economy and society and on circular resources loops in response to the hyper-globalisation of the recent years. The OECD Programme on the Circular Economy in Cities and Regions will seek further opportunities, evidence and recommendations to make the circular economy part of the solution towards healthier, less resource wasteful and environmental aware societies.

Lamia Kamal-Chaoui

Director, OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities

Oscar Puente

Mayor, City of Valladolid