Abadi, M; Huang, J; Yeow, J; Mohandes, S R and Zhang, L (2025) Towards a complex push-to-pull dynamics in circular construction supply chains: A systematic literature review. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(2), pp. 912-938. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The development of circular construction supply chains (CCSCs) is impeded by various barriers, but the current literature overlooks the interrelationships among these barriers and the varying nature of associated countermeasures with the growth of circular economy (CE). This paper aims to develop new perspectives about the transition to CCSCs through the lens of supply-push (SP)/demand-pull (DP) strategies and related underpinning theories. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review including 136 journal articles was undertaken to identify barriers to CCSCs and associated countermeasures that are analysed for their relevance to SP/DP. The interplay between SP/DP approaches was discussed using the "technology acceptance" and "innovation chain" models. Findings: (1) Thirty-five barriers were identified and organised into nine main barrier factors; (2) the predominant factors are knowledge and awareness, policy and regulations, technological capabilities, and incentives; (3) CCSCs transition is SP-configured primarily driven by actors above the project network; (4) "push" measures are devised to gradually create a "pull" environment and can be revoked when demand for circularity is created, suggesting a new "push-to-pull" perspective of CCSCs; and (5) a complex adaptative system is witnessed in relationships between barriers and countermeasures, and interactions among actors at all levels. Practical implications: The findings offer practitioners countermeasures to barriers encountered in CE initiatives. It also informs policymakers of adjusting policies to accommodate the SP-DP movement in steering the circular transition. Originality/value: This study uses theoretical models to interpret the dynamics in CCSCs transition and proposes a new definition of CCSCs highlighting their complex and dual transitional/transformational nature.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | circular economy; complex adaptive systems; construction supply chains; demand-pull; supply-push; systematic literature review |
| Index terms: | complex adaptive system, construction supply chain, dynamics, technology acceptance, movement, methodology, interaction, systematic literature review, technological capability, journal, circularity, circular economy, practitioner, strategy, project network, regulation |
| Subjects: | construction logistics, research methods, sustainable materials, political science, business, practitioner, sustainable design, project planning, innovation and technology management, health behaviours and lifestyles, systems engineering, management, research dissemination and communication, behavioral psychology, research evaluation and metrics |
| Topics: | Project Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Roles and Professions, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Governance, Supply Chain Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here