Digital Capability as an Enabler of Circular Economy in Saudi Arabia's Manufacturing Sector

Serhan Shaman Alshammari*, Uchenna Daniel Ani, Shoaib Sarfraz, Okechukwu Okorie, Konstantinos Salonitis

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    Circular Economy (CE) minimizes waste through reduce, reuse, and recycle principles across product lifecycles. Digital technologies like IoT, AI, and big data analytics can significantly enhance CE implementation when integrated into manufacturing operations and decisions. Benefits include resource efficiency, supply chain transparency, predictive maintenance, and circular business models. However, barriers exist like high investment costs and lack of infrastructure. The paper uses mixed methods to explore how digitalization can promote CE practices within Saudi manufacturing. It summarizes the global digitalization trends enabling CE in manufacturing and provides an outlook on Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 strategy. It also highlights early sustainability initiatives in Saudi manufacturing, key challenges identified via stakeholder engagements, and policy measures needed to incentivize adoption. It concludes that digitalization presents an immense opportunity to advance CE manufacturing in alignment with Saudi’s economic diversification and resilience goals. However, realizing sustainability and competitiveness benefits requires urgent multi-stakeholder collaboration and interdisciplinary perspectives.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the ICSDI 2024
    Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Sustainability: Developments and Innovations
    EditorsYasser Mansour, Umashankar Subramaniam, Zahiraniza Mustaffa, Abdelhakim Abdelhadi, Mohamed Al-Atroush, Eman Abowardah
    Place of PublicationSingapore
    PublisherSpringer Singapore
    Pages55–62
    Number of pages8
    Volume3
    ISBN (Electronic)9789819783458
    ISBN (Print)9789819783441
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 26 Oct 2024
    Event2nd International Conference on Sustainability: Developments and Innovations - Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
    Duration: 18 Feb 202422 Feb 2024

    Publication series

    NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
    PublisherSpringer
    Volume558

    Conference

    Conference2nd International Conference on Sustainability
    Abbreviated titleICSDI 2024
    Country/TerritorySaudi Arabia
    CityRiyadh
    Period18/02/2422/02/24

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