Opportunities for digital tracking technologies in the precast concrete sector in Sweden
2025 (English)In: Frontiers in Built Environment, E-ISSN 2297-3362, Vol. 11Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Sustainable development
SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy, SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation, SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Abstract [en]
The construction sector is a major consumer of natural resources and asignificant contributor to environmental degradation through resource depletion,waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. As the industry shifts towardsustainable and circular practices, improving material traceability and resourceefficiency becomes crucial. Digital Tracking Technologies (DTT) offer a promisingsolution, yet their adoption in the precast concrete sector remains limited,necessitating an in-depth examination of influencing factors. This study exploresDTT adoption in Sweden’s precast concrete industry, addressing a criticalgap in understanding how digital technologies support Circular Economy (CE)objectives. By identifying key barriers and drivers, the research provides a holisticview of the challenges and opportunities shaping this transition. A mixedmethodsapproach was employed, integrating bibliometric analysis, social mediasentiment analysis, and stakeholder interviews. Data analysis was conducted usingVOS Viewer, Orange Data Miner, and NVivo, while findings were interpretedthrough a sociotechnical lens. The study utilizes PESTLE and SWOT analyseswithin the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) framework to examine dynamics atthe niche, regime, and landscape levels. Findings highlight systemic barrierssuch as high investment costs, fragmented infrastructure, limited knowledge,and cultural resistance. However, opportunities exist, including enhancedoperational efficiency, improved information dissemination, CE alignment,supportive policies, and targeted incentives. Innovations like RFID tags, QR codes,and Digital Product Passports can enhance material traceability and circularity.Given regime inertia and landscape pressures, cohesive policy interventions andindustry collaboration are essential. This study provides actionable insights forindustry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to advancedigital innovation and sustainable construction practices.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Frontiers Media SA , 2025. Vol. 11
Keywords [en]
barriers, circular economy, concrete sector, digital tracking technology, drivers, multilevel perspective
National Category
Construction Management Building Technologies
Research subject
Technology (byts ev till Engineering), Sustainable Built Environment
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-138202DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2025.1566784ISI: 001483392100001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105004435746OAI: oai:DiVA.org:lnu-138202DiVA, id: diva2:1955171
Projects
Circular Trust Building – CTB
Funder
Interreg North Sea RegionRegion Kronoberg2025-04-292025-04-292025-05-20Bibliographically approved