Chapter 4: Carving Technology-Driven Circular Economy for Sustainable Development in India: A Conceptual Framework

The transition to a technology-driven circular economy (CE) is essential for achieving sustainable development in India. As the country faces increasing resource constraints, environmental degradation, and waste management challenges, population explosion and fast urbanization integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics can revolutionize CE practices. This chapter presents a conceptual framework that explores the role of technology in optimizing resource efficiency, promoting waste-to-value systems, and enabling sustainable industrial transformation. The study highlights key enablers, challenges, and policy recommendations to drive the adoption of CE principles across industries. By leveraging digital innovations, India can create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic model that aligns with global sustainability goals.