DT. Xin Shang
This PhD research explores the integration of urban and industrial symbiosis into comprehensive Urban–Industrial Symbiosis (UIS) systems. Analysing seven case studies, it identifies fundamental, design, support and logistics factors that determine success. The research maps system evolution and transitional pathways and proposes a foundational UIS framework for policymakers and practitioners.
Business Model Innovation in Industrial Symbiosis: Enabling Sustainable Value Creation
This study investigates the role of business model innovation in enabling and scaling industrial symbiosis within the transition towards sustainable industrial systems. It explores how firms can redesign their value creation and capture mechanisms by incorporating the exchange of materials, energy, and by-products into their core operations. Adopting a systemic and network-oriented perspective, the research examines both firm-level strategies and inter-organizational dynamics that underpin successful symbiotic relationships. Through empirical analysis, the study identifies key enabling factors, including collaboration, trust, and the presence of facilitators, alongside critical barriers such as regulatory uncertainty, market risks, and organizational inertia. The findings highlight that business model innovation is a fundamental driver for unlocking the full potential of industrial symbiosis, supporting resource efficiency, competitiveness, and the broader transition towards a circular economy.