Abstract Summary
The transition from a linear to circular water economy requires more than just technological advancements and changes; it demands comprehensive capacity building approaches that integrates the technical, economic, social, environmental, policy and institutional dimensions. This paper examines the current capacity building efforts in the water sector, categorizing them into key domains, including education and research, policy and governance, economy and finance, and societal engagement. Through case studies and best practices, this paper provides perspectives on successful capacity building initiatives that have driven progress in the transition to a circular water economy. However, despite recorded progress, the existing capacity building efforts in the water sector remain fragmented, with gaps in interdisciplinary integration in education and training, insufficient financial and institutional support, and limited coordination among stakeholders. The paper highlights the challenges of scaling training programs and circular water innovations, addressing regional disparities in educational access, and overcoming behavioural and institutional resistance to circular water practices. The findings show that the successful implementation and monitoring of capacity-building initiatives in the water sector requires an integrated approach at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels to facilitate a systemic transition to a circular water economy. This paper presents a structured framework for integrating interdisciplinary education, promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration, and integrating policy mechanisms with market-driven strategies to accelerate the development and scaling of the circular water economy. Keywords: Circular water economy, capacity building, education, policy, governance, water sector transition.
