Network analysis of eight industrial symbiosis systems

Abstract

Industrial symbiosis is the quintessential characteristic of an eco-industrial park. To divide parks into different types, previous studies mostly focused on qualitative judgments, and failed to use metrics to conduct quantitative research on the internal structural or functional characteristics of a park. To analyze a park's structural attributes, a range of metrics from network analysis have been applied, but few researchers have compared two or more symbioses using multiple metrics. In this study, we used two metrics (density and network degree centralization) to compare the degrees of completeness and dependence of eight diverse but representative industrial symbiosis networks. Through the combination of the two metrics, we divided the networks into three types: weak completeness, and two forms of strong completeness, namely "anchor tenant" mutualism and "equality-oriented" mutualism. The results showed that the networks with a weak degree of completeness were sparse and had few connections among nodes; for "anchor tenant" mutualism, the degree of completeness was relatively high, but the affiliated members were too dependent on core members; and the members in "equality-oriented" mutualism had equal roles, with diverse and flexible symbiotic paths. These results revealed some of the systems' internal structure and how different structures influenced the exchanges of materials, energy, and knowledge among members of a system, thereby providing insights into threats that may destabilize the network. Based on this analysis, we provide examples of the advantages and effectiveness of recent improvement projects in a typical Chinese eco-industrial park (Shandong Lubei).

Pilot testing model to uncover industrial symbiosis in Brazilian industrial clusters

“…Results of their work revealed how different structures influenced the exchanges among members of a system, thereby providing insights into threats that may destabilize the network. Most threats happen when weak degree of completeness was sparse with few connections (Zhang et al 2016). Such results also reinforce the importance of uncovering industrial symbiosis cases in initial stages.…”

“…The study developed by Zhang et al (2016) through the combination of the two metrics divided the networks into one type of weak completeness and two forms of strong completeness. Results of their work revealed how different structures influenced the exchanges among members of a system, thereby providing insights into threats that may destabilize the network.…”

Business models for industrial symbiosis: A taxonomy focused on the form of governance

“…Technical and economic issues dominate the choice of the spatial level. The close proximity among the involved companies is an essential requisite for the feasibility of the symbiotic exchange when physical infrastructures (e.g., pipelines) are required to operate the IS synergy (e.g., Han et al, 2017;Zhang et al, 2016). In the other cases, IS relationships may arise among firms very distant from each other as far as they are economically convenient (Jensen et al, 2011;Lyons, 2007;Sterr and Ott, 2004).…”

Toward Industry 4.0: Efficient and Sustainable Manufacturing Leveraging MAESTRI Total Efficiency Framework

“…This shift can only occur through the provision of a better understanding of IS. Based on the understanding of theoretical characteristics [16] and practical characteristics of IS, the following categories of possible challenges have been identified [17]: (i) finding embedded norms of exchange, culture and structure of enterprises; (ii) a lack of information on waste exchange; (iii) a lack of technical and financial support; (iv) increased cost incurred during the process of waste exchange (e.g. transaction costs, opportunity cost, labor costs, etc.…”