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/Report/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

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Digital Capability as an Enabler of Circular Economy in Saudi Arabia's Manufacturing Sector'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this