【世界银行】土耳其在欧盟全球价值链生态系统中的循环经济转型-2025.1_90页_2mb

Summary of Türkiye's Circular Economy Transition in the EU's Global Value Chain Ecosystem

Core Content

This report explores Türkiye's potential to transition to a circular economy (CE) within the context of the European Union's (EU) evolving regulatory and market landscape. It emphasizes the strategic importance of this shift for Türkiye's economic resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability goals, particularly in light of its deep integration with the EU's green value chain (GVC) ecosystem. The report outlines two distinct transition scenarios—'Light' and 'Full'—and identifies key policy recommendations to support Türkiye's journey toward a more sustainable and resource-efficient economic model.

Main Views and Key Information

Transition Scenarios

• Circular Economy 'Light': An adaptive and progressive approach focusing on material efficiency, recycling, and digital traceability. It aligns with current EU regulations and aims to improve existing production models without overhauling them.
• Full Circular Economy: A more ambitious and comprehensive strategy that involves redesigning products and business models, enhancing reuse and repair, and aligning with global innovation trends. It represents a higher-risk, higher-reward transition that could position Türkiye as a leader in sustainable production.

Factors Enabling CE Readiness

• Technological Upgrades: Adoption of resource-efficient production technologies, digital infrastructure for traceability, and machinery improvements.
• Recycled Inputs: Access to and use of recycled materials, which is crucial for reducing environmental impact and aligning with EU sustainability standards.
• Skills Development: Enhancing workforce and managerial capabilities in green and circular practices.
• Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring domestic policies and EU regulations are in sync to facilitate smooth integration into the EU's CE framework.

Current Competitiveness and Challenges

• Achievements: Türkiye has made progress in areas such as digital monitoring, recycling infrastructure, and technology adoption, particularly in the textiles and automotive sectors.
• Challenges: Limited R&D investment, skill gaps, and high fixed costs for smaller firms and lower-tier suppliers hinder full transition. Coordination between public and private actors and with the EU is also a challenge.

Key Policy Recommendations

Immediate Priorities (Light Approach)

• Accelerate Technology Adoption: Establish a robust recycling ecosystem and digital infrastructure for efficient resource use.
• Address Scale and Investment Barriers: Provide targeted financing and shared infrastructure to support smaller firms and lower-tier suppliers.
• Enhance Institutional Coordination: Improve coordination within Türkiye and with the EU, balancing regulatory alignment with strategic timing.

Ambitious Scenario for Full Transition

• Invest in Green Skills: Develop workforce and managerial competencies in sustainability and circular practices.
• Foster an Innovative Ecosystem: Support R&D, new business models, and environmental sustainability through tailored financial mechanisms and cross-border collaborations.
• Encourage Private Investment: Signal long-term commitment to CE and align with global green initiatives to attract private sector investment.

Detailed Strategies

Long-Term Vision

• Global Market Positioning: Strengthen Türkiye's position in global markets and enhance economic resilience by embracing CE principles.
• Skill and Infrastructure Development: Address skill gaps and develop green infrastructure to support long-term CE goals.
• Sustainable Branding: Position Türkiye as a sustainable and circular production base, aligning with global initiatives and EU standards.

Conclusion

Türkiye has the potential to transition to a circular economy through a combination of immediate and long-term strategies. The report underscores the need for a strategic, flexible, and coordinated approach to ensure successful integration into the EU's CE framework. By leveraging its existing strengths and addressing current challenges, Türkiye can not only meet EU sustainability requirements but also lead in innovation and resilience, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.