The transformative impact of integrating sustainable innovation and CSR: a Delphi study on business, market and societal change

Purpose Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in social and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this research stems from the critique, requiring to formulate a comprehensive corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework that integrates sustainable innovation into business processes through stakeholder engagement. Design/methodology/approach In total, 23 experts from the Pakistan construction industry took part in the Delphi study. Criteria set in terms of diverse backgrounds, organization size, characteristics or experiences of experts. Findings The finding reveals that the integration of CSR with sustainable innovation demands significant change in business processes, starting from planning, implementing and oversighting stages of project management and a demand for top management commitment to realize sustainable benefits that deliver value to all stakeholders. Originality/value Construction projects in developing countries frequently face criticism for engaging in socially and environmentally irresponsible practices. Therefore, the purpose behind this research stems from the critique, requiring to formulate a comprehensive CSR framework that integrates sustainable innovation into business processes through stakeholder engagement. In total, 23 experts from the Pakistan construction industry took part in the Delphi study. Criteria set in terms of diverse backgrounds, organization size, characteristics, or experiences of experts. The finding reveals that the integration of CSR with sustainable innovation demand significant change in business processes, starting from the planning, implementing and oversighting stages of project management and a demand for top management commitment to realize sustainable benefits that deliver value to all stakeholders.