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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 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-7 September 2021, UK, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 624-633.
- Type: Conference Proceedings
- Keywords: Circular Economy, viaduct design, innovation, sustainability transition, Mission-oriented Innovation System
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/a60152f3b91986e29f83ee7bdcc9f0d1.pdf
- Abstract:
Introduction
National 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.
Approach
We 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.
Results
The 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.