Socio-Technical Governance of Social Resource Networks for Trustworthy Waste Matchmaking and Industrial Symbiosis Ecosystems Development

Author

Basil Derel

Abstract

 Growing resource consumption, industrial waste generation, and fragmented material flows are intensifying pressure to develop circular systems capable of transforming residual resources into productive inputs across organizational and sectoral boundaries. Industrial symbiosis offers an important pathway for such transformation, yet its expansion is frequently constrained by limited resource visibility, information asymmetry, uncertain material quality, weak inter-organizational trust, regulatory complexity, and difficulties coordinating heterogeneous participants. This study develops a socio-technical governance framework for Social Resource Networks (SRNs) designed to support trustworthy waste matchmaking and resilient industrial symbiosis ecosystems. The framework conceptualizes SRNs as interconnected environments combining waste generators, resource users, recyclers, intermediaries, logistics providers, communities, regulators, digital infrastructures, and governance institutions. It integrates standardized resource information, participant verification, reputation mechanisms, transparent matchmaking, data-access controls, traceability, regulatory compliance, accountability, and dispute-resolution processes. Governance mechanisms coordinate interactions between algorithmic recommendations and human decision-making while transaction feedback strengthens institutional learning and network trust. The proposed framework enables credible resource exchanges, reduces coordination uncertainty, supports cross-sector collaboration, and provides foundations for scalable, accountable, and adaptive industrial symbiosis ecosystems within broader circular-economy transitions.

Keywords

Social Resource Networks; Socio-Technical Governance; Waste Matchmaking; Industrial Symbiosis; Trustworthy Resource Exchange; Circular Economy

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23181453

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References

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