Toward better social value creation in road infrastructure: a conceptual model

Abstract

Project social value has emerged as a critical dimension of sustainable road infrastructure, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, limited integrative models explain how project social value can be systematically embedded in infrastructure delivery. This study develops a conceptual model to enhance project social value in road construction through a comprehensive synthesis of prior research. The model identifies five factors: community engagement, government role, sustainability practices, organizational performance, and design, represented by 38 indicators. Grounded in stakeholder and sustainability theories, the model positions project processes as the dynamic context through which these determinants interact to generate social outcomes. The study advances theoretical understanding by integrating social and technical dimension of sustainability, and provide practical guidance for policy makers, managers, and practitioners to embed social value principle within infrastructure planning and delivery.