Coenen, T B J; Volker, L and Visscher, K (2021) Introducing circular innovation in the construction industry: The case of the circular viaduct. In: Scott, L and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-7 September 2021, Online Event, UK.
Abstract
IntroductionNational governments and the European Union have set ambitious targets to become circular in 2050. The aim is to drastically reduce both the use of raw resources and the generation of waste. To become circular, the resource-intensive construction sector requires not only the introduction of new technologies, but also a change in social and institutional aspects. In this paper we will focus on one circular innovation trajectory and study the Circular Viaduct project, in which a viaduct was designed and successfully implemented according to the circularity principles. The purpose of this study is to gain insights in how future circular innovation trajectories in the infrastructure sector can be fostered.ApproachWe studied this innovation trajectory using the Mission-oriented Innovation System (MIS) framework. The narrative of the innovation process was reconstructed in an in-depth case-study at the Dutch National Infrastructure Agency, using two evaluation reports, approximately 30 other documents, and by interviewing five experts. By identifying patterns in the innovation process using innovation system functions, several lessons were identified regarding the introduction of radical circular innovations in the infrastructure sector. ResultsThe innovation trajectory has resulted in the successful construction and disassembly of a circularly designed viaduct. Careful media management, and publication of knowledge through events and (digital) platforms resulted in several spin-off trajectories regarding circular design and management of viaducts. In the design phase, changes in rules and legislation were implemented to allow for circular construction. In this supply-driven innovation process, acquiring high-level support was troublesome, but resulted eventually in crucial resource mobilization. Altogether, the large effect of involvement of high officials suggests that stronger demand for circular innovation from the client side has great potential in fostering innovations that contribute to the transition towards a circular infrastructure sector.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | circular economy; viaduct design; innovation; sustainability transition; mission-oriented innovation system |
| Index terms: | circular economy, European Union, circularity, disassembly, new technology, platform, legislation, publication, innovation system, construction industry, construction sector, infrastructure sector, agency, media, design phase, documents, narrative |
| Subjects: | research dissemination and communication, business, sustainable materials, operations management, legal systems, professional practice, innovation and technology management, physical geography and landforms, sustainable design, qualitative and interpretive research, digital design, professional development, sociology, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Legal Issues, Digital Applications, Site Management, Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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