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Navigating the future of megaprojects sustainability: a comprehensive framework and research agendas

Yongkui Li, Mengqi Wang, Giorgio Locatelli, Yueran Zhang

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business

ISSN: 1753-8378

Article publication date: 19 July 2024

Issue publication date: 25 July 2024

637

Abstract

Purpose

Megaprojects can play a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling Global Challenges. However, they are often criticized for their massive resource consumption, poor cost/time performance and significant social-environmental impacts, including irreversible environmental damage. This study aims to chart the evolution of research on megaprojects sustainability and to offer a roadmap for future developments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify emerging themes and gaps. This study follows a three-step process of planning, conducting and reporting, based on the Tranfield approach. The overview of megaprojects sustainability research was captured through bibliometric analysis. In addition, content analysis was carried out to reveal the development of this field and get an insight into the future directions towards sustainability transition.

Findings

This study provides a longitudinal, in-depth analysis of megaprojects sustainability studies. Drawing on sustainability science and project management theories, we introduce a three-dimensional analytical framework consisting of sustainability, scope and stakeholder. This framework explains the evolution of megaprojects sustainability research from sustainability of megaprojects, to sustainability for megaprojects and then to sustainability by megaprojects. Three future avenues are proposed: (1) SDGs orientation at multi-level; (2) scope enlargement at temporal and spatial scales and (3) inclusive development for stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive and forward-looking analysis of megaprojects sustainability research. The framework and three research agendas provide a comprehensive picture of megaproject sustainability research; the agenda for future research is intended to inspire more studies and disruptive actions towards sustainability transition.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Social Science Fund of China under Grant No. 19VDL001 and No. 18ZDA043 and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities under Grant No. 22120220296.

Citation

Li, Y., Wang, M., Locatelli, G. and Zhang, Y. (2024), "Navigating the future of megaprojects sustainability: a comprehensive framework and research agendas", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 533-561. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-02-2024-0027

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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