Presenting the Model of Design Requirements for Industrial Symbiosis Network Using Meta-Synthesis Method (Case Study: Babel Industrial Park, Iraq)

Introduction: Environmental challenges in industrial parks have become increasingly critical, marked by improper waste disposal and resource depletion. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions for sustainable industrial development. Industrial symbiosis networks represent a promising approach to tackling these complex environmental and economic challenges. Additionally, with the increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals globally, industrial symbiosis offers a dual benefit: reducing environmental impact while enhancing resource efficiency and economic resilience. It aligns with modern environmental policies advocating for circular economies, thereby converting challenges into opportunities for growth. This study focuses on developing a model for designing the requirements of an industrial symbiosis network tailored for an industrial park in Babylon, Iraq.

Methodology: This research is descriptive in its objectives and applied in nature. The study employs a qualitative meta-synthesis (meta-combination) method for data collection, utilizing academic resources published between 2016 and 2023. Before formulating the model, the identified components were screened and aligned with the conditions of the study area using the Delphi method. The Delphi panel consisted of 15 experts, including: 8 senior managers from Babylon Industrial Park (each with at least 10 years of experience), 4 university professors specializing in production management and supply chain, and 3 industrial consultants experienced in industrial symbiosis. The Delphi process was conducted in three stages. Finally, the validated requirements were incorporated into the final model using Atlas.ti software.

Findings: The research selected 46 academic articles after screening books, theses, and journal publications indexed in reputable scientific databases. Following Sandelowski and Barroso’s seven-step approach, the study identified 46 design requirements for industrial symbiosis networks, which were categorized into five main dimensions: technical, organizational, economic, social, and institutional.

After expert validation, 16 essential requirements were selected, and a final model was constructed using Atlas.ti. To validate the model, hypothesis testing method based on relationships between variables was used. The results obtained confirm the validity of the designed model.

Conclusion: This research provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing industrial symbiosis networks in Babylon, Iraq. The proposed model integrates five key dimensions in a unified structure: organizational, economic, social, institutional, and technical. Each dimension plays a distinct role in the network's success while simultaneously interacting with others. The organizational dimension is foundational for fostering collaboration among network members. It encompasses factors such as organizational capacity, mutual trust, knowledge sharing, and managerial attitudes.

In terms of its novelty, the study addresses a significant gap by focusing on the practical identification of requirements and developing a tailored model for industrial symbiosis networks. Notably, research on industrial symbiosis in developing countries is scarce. Additionally, unlike most previous studies that employed quantitative or grounded theory approaches, this research leverages meta-synthesis to consolidate existing findings and offer a systematic and holistic model. The model not only contributes to academic knowledge by addressing gaps in research but also provides practical insights for policymakers and industrial stakeholders. By adopting this framework, industrial parks can transition toward more sustainable operations, fostering economic growth while achieving environmental balance. This dual focus on theory and practice ensures that the model remains relevant in both academic and applied contexts.