Uncovering Barriers for Industrial Symbiosis: Assessing Prospects for Eco-Industrialization through Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Developing Regions

Nadia Akhtar, Syed Atif Bokhari, Michael Alan Martin, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Arif Mahmud, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq and Sarah Amir
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Nadia Akhtar: Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Syed Atif Bokhari: Department of Geography, Government Graduate College, Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
Michael Alan Martin: IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Life Cycle Management, Sustainable Society, 11428 Stockholm, Sweden
Zafeer Saqib: Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Muhammad Irfan Khan: Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Arif Mahmud: Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq: Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Sarah Amir: Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-21

Abstract: Industrialization is indispensable for socio-economic development but poses far-reaching implications for resources and the environment. Consequently, industrial symbiosis-based collaborations are gaining recognition as a viable strategy to manage resource consumption for mitigating environmental distress. However, these types of synergistic collaborations are more prevalent in developed regions and are linked to larger-sized industries. Admittedly, such collaborative partnerships are less focused in developing regions and small- to medium-size enterprises (SMEs). This calls for discovering the potentials for synergistic partnerships among the small and medium scaled industrial entities in developing economies. Therefore, the study was designed to identify, assess and explore the prospects of symbiotic collaborations among SMEs in Pakistan. Moreover, the inputs are equally relevant for developing and expanding such productive associations in developing regions. Data regarding inputs and outputs was collected from sixty-one (61) SMEs through field survey during the year 2019. It was processed and analyzed to uncover existing and potential synergies among SMEs. The significant findings transpired that the majority of collaborative linkages are bilateral and are driven to maximize economic gains. However, informal networks of recyclers and absence of a stringent regulatory regime are the ground realities in developing/transforming economies. These factors symptomatically interfere with the process of formal/informal exchanges between and among firms. Furthermore, it was observed that the lack of awareness and impulsiveness of SMEs, as well as the inconsistent supply of by-products, act as barriers for such partnerships in developing countries. It calls for proactive engagements and facilitations from the state institutions through policy instruments. The study addresses a broad audience including industrialists, investors, policy makers and researchers engaged in IS studies. Moreover, the inputs will provide impetus for stimulating eco-industrial progress in developing regions such as Pakistan.

Keywords: circular economy (CE); industrial symbiosis (IS); eco-industrial development; by-product exchange; Pakistan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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