Unpacking the enabling role of digital technologies in industrial symbiosis: A novel framework on digital functions and industrial symbiosis life-cycle

Industrial symbiosis is one of the main paradigms for implementing circular economy strategies at the meso level. While scholars recognize digital technologies as enablers of industrial symbiosis, a research gap remains in terms of identifying and characterizing their role to enable the development and implementation of industrial symbiosis. We build on existing literature to identify two dimensions – digital functions and industrial symbiosis life-cycle – with which to characterize the enabling role of digital technologies for industrial symbiosis life-cycle. We conducted a systematic literature review to provide a comprehensive overview of nine digital technologies that have the role of industrial symbiosis enabler. We developed a novel research framework with 47 matches among each digital technology, the related digital function, and the affected stage of the industrial symbiosis life-cycle. We posit that digital technologies must be used in a synergistic way to fully leverage their potential and promote a wider diffusion of industrial symbiosis. In addition, our research framework noted that, in the interplay between industrial symbiosis and digital technologies, academic research exhibits low and disparate maturity levels. The literature focuses on only a few stages of the industrial symbiosis life-cycle, namely input–output matching and implementation of symbiotic exchanges. Conversely, several other stages still lack a deep analysis of the enabling role of digital technologies, such as the interactions with an external entity and awareness. Thus, a research agenda has been developed to stimulate and guide further research concerning the role of digital technologies as industrial symbiosis enablers.