The role of partnering in the transition to a circular economy in the Dutch infrastructure sector

Abstract

Due to growing prosperity in the world, together with the trend of urbanization, more and more natural resources are needed. However, the earth cannot keep providing us these materials, since many of them are depleting. The concept of circular economy is seen as an opportunity to tackle this problem. However, the infrastructure industry lags behind in this transition. Transition theories state collaboration between stakeholders is the most important factor to transition successfully, and within the construction and infrastructure sector, partnering is seen as the ultimate form of collaboration. However, the role of partnering in the transition to a circular economy has never been studies before within the infrastructure sector. This research will try to fill in this knowledge gap by gaining empirical knowledge from the InnovA58, a highway alteration project in the Netherlands.
It was found there is a definite role of partnering on the transition to a circular economy within the infrastructure. Some elements of partnering contribute to the transition, others hamper it. Also, partnering triggers a motor of change in the transition, which acts as a flying wheel to accelerate the transition. Therefore, partnering plays a role in the circular economic transition both directly as well as indirectly.
Knowledge of the concept of partnering and the benefits it can bring can be highly positive for projects with a circular economic ambition, therefore, project team members as well as the client of such infrastructure projects should be knowledgeable about this topic. Furthermore, the current focus on the Iron Triangle in infrastructure projects is seen as a threat to the transition to a circular economy; something which will need to change radically, but can only be influenced slowly but steadily.