Transitioning to a circular economy (CE) – where materials are reused rather than discarded – is a key sustainability challenge in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Quality infrastructure (QI), encompassing standards, metrology, and certification, is essential to validate circular claims and build market trust. This study shows that when QI organisations actively collaborate across borders, they innovate faster and develop more services for the CE. Regional partnerships and inclusive networks, especially those led by women and bridging organisations, are critical to driving this transition beyond national boundaries.

This paper examines how collaborative networks between QI and CE actors drive innovation in LAC. Drawing on empirical evidence from the regional Quality Infrastructure for the Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean (QI4CE) project (2020–2024), which involved 150 QI organisations and 650 CE stakeholders across three sectors (plastics, agri-food, and construction), the study applies longitudinal social network analysis to test three hypotheses. Results confirm that baseline QI–CE networks were fragmented and nationally siloed (H1). Intensive participation in regional project activities led to fivefold network growth and significantly increased organisational heterogeneity, strongly predicting improvements in metrology, standardisation, and conformity assessment service innovation (H2). Organisations with superior territorial coordination and transnational networking capabilities, particularly regional connector bodies such as the Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas, demonstrated the highest innovation outcomes (H3). Female leadership emerged as an additional driver of inclusive network development. The findings demonstrate that structured, data-driven investment in regional collaboration mechanisms accelerates CE adoption. Policymakers, international development organisations, and QI bodies should prioritise cross-border partnerships and inclusive governance to realise sustainable circular transitions.

Regional QI networks drive CE innovation in Latin America. Collaboration works – data prove it.