Employment Creation Through Industrial Symbiosis: Quantity and Quality of Jobs in Selected Developing Countries

This article focuses on a form of circular economy (industrial symbiosis) and its impact on employment. The main research question that this article addresses concerns the quantitative and qualitative employment effects of IS networks in developing countries referring to findings from Argentina, Benin, Colombia, Costa Rica, South Africa and Tanzania. Two methodologies were identified and applied to measure direct, indirect and induced jobs. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used, drawing from both primary and secondary data sources. Structured and semi-structured interviews to entrepreneurs, key informants and sometimes workers were conducted. Input-output tables were used for Argentina and South Africa. Findings show that IS does create jobs, highlighting its positive social impact, in addition to its already well-known economic and environmental positive effects. Is meets all the basic and Tri-dimensional requirements to constitute a solid tool towards sustainable development. Jobs are generated particularly in small and micro firms along the value chain of large anchor companies. Some decent work deficits are identified, concerning the quality of jobs which can be informal, and which are often for men with a scarce female participation. The conclusion describes some policy recommendations to promote employment creation through IS and to improve job quality.