Conference Agenda

Circular transition initiatives in Latin America often remain uncoordinated, technically limited, and insufficiently institutionalized, restricting their ability to transform socio-technical structures that perpetuate linear material flows, territorial inequality, and environmental degradation. This article presents a Transformative Innovation Framework to activate regenerative niches in vulnerable regions of Panama. Using a conceptual methodology, the study synthesizes recent literature on multi-level transitions, niche shielding, policy barriers, urban metabolism, exnovation, and transition learning. Results are structured in two layers: (i) synthesis of knowledge gaps and (ii) a coding matrix. Identified transition mechanisms are grouped into twelve categories (M1–M12) and mapped to framework levers (L1–L4) and implementation phases (P1–P3). The synthesis identifies six main findings: transition bottlenecks are largely institutional and coordination-related; early niche protection is essential; capability development is fundamental; scaling follows differentiated pathways; sustained transition requires both innovation support and targeted exnovation; and territorial metabolic intelligence is key for implementation. These findings inform a four-lever framework: territorial diagnostic intelligence (L1), niche orchestration and protective conditions (L2), policy alignment with targeted exnovation (L3), and educational transformation via a skills pipeline (L4). Implementation is structured into three phases: Activation (P1), Education and Demonstration (P2), and Scaling with Exnovation (P3). These phases are supported by three decision tools: Regenerative Niche Readiness Levels, a Circularity–Territorial Justice Matrix, and a Feasibility Decision Pathway. As a pre-implementation study, the focus is on framework development, operational mapping, and decision-support tool design, establishing a foundation for future field validation in Panama and similar Latin American contexts.