Examining the role of urban-industrial symbiosis in the circular economy: an approach based on N-Force field theory of change and N-ISM-Micmac

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) refers to a new industrial paradigm that contrasts with the linear supply chain structure based on a "take, make, use, dispose" pathway. Due to its potential contributions to improving the CE, industrial symbiosis (IS) has been recognized as a feasible way to advance it. Urban symbiosis is an extension of IS that involves a series of symbiotic relationships among enterprises within the urban area. Combining urban and industrial symbiosis (Ur-IS) is a step toward better resource efficiency in urban areas and industrial zones and urban areas. However, while there are several driving forces for Ur-IS adoption, there are also many inhibiting factors. A comprehensive decision framework is needed to address the principal drivers and challenges for Ur-IS initiatives. Türkiye, designated as a candidate for full EU membership in 1999, also places importance on environmental sustainability goals and effective resource management in its own move towards a CE. Our literature review concluded that there is only one quantitative study investigating the driving and (or) restraining forces for Ur-IS adoption in emerging and industrialized countries. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of Ur-IS implementation in Türkiye through the proposed Neutrosphopic-Simple Additive Weighting Method-based force field theory of change and the Neutrosphopic–Interpretive Structured Modeling-Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Method. The findings suggest that lack of policies, lack of incentives and regulations, and vulnerability and supply uncertainty are the most significant restraining forces for Ur-IS implementation in Türkiye. The research findings can assist decision-makers in Türkiye in effectively implementing Ur-IS. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.