Innovating Civil Engineering: Strategies for Fostering Stakeholder Engagement in the Circular Economy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/ecie.19.1.2384

Keywords:

sustainability, circular economy, ecosystem stakeholders, stakeholders

Abstract

Sustainability and circular economy principles are increasingly important in civil engineering, as highlighted by the United Nations Environmental Programme in 2023 the construction activities represented 36% of global energy use in 2020. However, the sector's focus on reducing operational carbon overshadows the need for addressing embodied carbon from materials like cement, steel, and aluminium. To address this, a shift towards incentivizing all supply chain stakeholders and cultivating collaborative models is necessary. This research provides an initial scoping for the development of the Lithuanian Construction Materials Reuse Optimization (LSEPO) platform, a pioneering regional initiative fostering a marketplace for reused building materials. Such platforms are recognized for their potential to overcome sustainability barriers by utilizing digital technologies for efficient data management and stakeholder collaboration. Our research identifies a significant gap in the existing literature concerning effective stakeholder engagement strategies critical for the success of such platforms. To bridge this gap, we employed a three-tiered methodological approach: firstly, a semi-structured literature analysis delved into existing stakeholder engagement strategies within the circular economy. This review highlighted a fragmented understanding of incentives and collaboration dynamics across different sectors. Secondly, a content analysis of global material exchange and circular construction platforms provided insights into best practices, showcasing successful communication methods, innovative incentive models, and robust collaboration frameworks. Lastly, integrating these findings, our study proposes a conceptual stakeholder engagement framework tailored for social innovation in civil engineering, more specifically Lithuanian Construction Materials Reuse Optimization (LSEPO). Practical implications of our findings underscore the necessity for platforms like LSEPO to incorporate adaptive engagement strategies that are context-sensitive and inclusive, facilitating a broad spectrum of stakeholder inputs. The study demonstrates that effective stakeholder engagement goes beyond traditional communication methods; it requires a systemic integration of technological innovation and incentive alignment to promote sustained participation and collaboration. By providing a comprehensive foundation for the development of the LSEPO platform, this research not only aims to advance it as a beacon of social innovation and environmental stewardship within the civil engineering sector but also sets a benchmark for future initiatives aiming to embed circular economy principles effectively.

Author Biographies

Monika Maciuliene, VILNIUS TECH

Dr. Monika Mačiulienė is an associate professor and senior researcher at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Her research examines co-creation of value in R&I, emergence of collective intelligence in social networks and stakeholder engagement. M.Mačiulienė actively participates in international conferences, seminars, and scientific exchange programs and published more than 30 research articles individually and in collaboration with international research teams. Currently, she is involved in a number of international scientific projects (e.g. Horizon Europe project DIGICHer, CLIMAS, H2020 projects INCENTIVE and EU-Citizen.Science) focused on synergies between science and the society as a senior researcher.

Auste Aleksandraviciute-Sviaziene, VILNIUS TECH

Austė Aleksandravičiūtė-Sviažienė is a PhD student at Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania) with a robust focus on stakeholder engagement. With an academic background in health communications , Austė leverages her expertise to explore how organizations can optimize stakeholder interactions to enhance project outcomes and sustainability. Her research integrates interdisciplinary approaches, emphasizing practical solutions for complex stakeholder dynamics. Austė actively contributes to academic discussions and publications, striving to advance the understanding of effective engagement practices in the business sector.

Kristina Kovaite, VILNIUS TECH

Kristina Kovaitė is an Associate Professor and Senior Researcher at the Faculty of Creative Industries, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, where she also serves as Vice-dean. She holds a Research Doctoral degree in Economics and specializes in eco-innovation, education policy, and the impact of Industry 4.0 on business models. In addition to her academic roles, Kristina contributes significantly to the faculty's governance as a member of both the Study Programme Committee and the Faculty Council. Her work is widely published in respected academic journals, affirming her as a leading voice in her field.

Gintare Guleviciute, VILNIUS TECH

Gintarė Gulevičiūtė is a researcher and lecturer at Mykolas Romeris university involved in a number of international research projects. Her areas of investigation focus on analysis of misinformation in online social networks and societal response to fake news together.

Aelita Skarzauskiene, VILNIUS TECH

Dr. Aelita Skaržauskienė is a professor at Mykolas Romeris University and chief researcher at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Her main research interests are digital co-creation, collective intelligence, decentralized Web and governance. Currently, she is leading the Lithuanian team in Horizon Europe projects CLIMAS and DIGICHer.  Together with her research team, Aelita Skaržauskienė has developed a Collective Intelligence Monitoring Technique for evaluation of networked platforms (www.collective-intelligence.lt/en), in collaboration with the MIT Centre of Collective Intelligence.

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Published

2024-09-20