An institutional theory perspective on social innovations for a circular built environment

Abstract

Social innovations (SI) in the context of the built environment (BE) are diverse, often promoting circularity–i.e. the slowing, closing or narrowing of resource flows–as an intended or incidental outcome. This article addresses the limited scientific literature and empirical data evidence on SIs promoting a circular BE by conducting case studies to shed light on barriers and enablers to SI projects in this specific context and thus complement literature. Using institutional theory, the study abstracts the empirical findings to explore how normative, mimetic and coercive context factors interact to promote or hinder a new circular institutional logic within the construction sector and the built environment. Ten semi-guided qualitative interviews with project representatives revealed key enablers, including normative drivers such as personal motivations, beliefs, skills and professional networks. However, significant barriers were also identified, which include regulatory constraints, financial hurdles and societal resistance rooted in traditional paradigms. These insights highlight the potential of institutional theory as a framework for analyzing and supporting social innovations in transitioning to a sustainable, circular BE.