Innovative Management of Industrial Symbiosis for Biomass Ash Use in Construction Materials

Abstract

This study aims to explore the potential of industrial symbiosis (IS) to advance circular material use, with a particular focus on the valorisation of biomass ash in the construction industry. Positioned at the intersection of sustainability and innovation management, IS is analysed as both an environmental strategy and a systemic innovation process that enables cross-sectoral resource efficiency. Despite the significant quantities of biomass combustion residues generated across Europe, most are still landfilled, even though their chemical composition makes them suitable as supplementary cementitious materials. To address this gap, this research combines bibliometric analysis, an extensive literature review, and a conceptual case study. The bibliometric analysis of 403 Scopus-indexed publications reveals that while biomass ash research has grown substantially since 2006, its integration into IS networks remains limited. The literature review further identifies dominant research themes, i.e., cementitious applications, combustion processes, and environmental impacts, while highlighting the underrepresentation of governance, business models, and IS frameworks in biomass ash studies. A conceptual case study was conducted in Liepaja, Latvia, a regional hub for the renewable energy and construction industries. The study assesses spatial proximity, interorganizational coordination, and digital matchmaking as enablers of resource exchange. From a management perspective, this research underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement, adaptive governance, and innovation ecosystems in supporting the transition from waste to value. The originality of this study is reflected in its integration of fragmented biomass ash research with IS theory and its contribution to innovation management by framing IS as a collaborative and systemic innovation. The findings demonstrate that IS can drive industrial transformation by aligning environmental objectives with business strategies and regional sustainable development goals.