Mechanisms driving technological innovation behavior in construction and demolition waste remanufactured products via self-determination theory

Technological innovation (TI) behavior serves as a crucial driver for enhancing the quality and safety performance of construction and demolition waste (CDW) remanufactured products. However, the complex nature of TI behavior presents challenges for CDW recyclers and remanufacturers in making strategic decisions. This study explores the evolution of TI behavior among CDW recyclers and remanufacturers through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The key findings are as follows: (1) The growth rate of market demand positively influences the adoption of TI behavior by CDW recyclers and remanufacturers. A higher market demand for remanufactured products accelerates the convergence of these stakeholders towards a steady-state, although recyclers reach stability faster than remanufacturers, who face a higher threshold for adopting TI behavior. (2) The quality and safety awareness of different subjects has a positive impact on the evolution of TI behavior adopted by construction waste recyclers and construction waste remanufacturers. The greater the awareness, the more rapid the adoption of TI behavior. (3) Quality and safety awareness has a particularly strong impact on the evolution of TI behavior, with an increase in recyclers' awareness leading to enhanced awareness among remanufacturers, further accelerating TI behavior adoption. However, remanufacturers face constraints in their adoption of TI behavior, which can be overcome by combining market demand expansion with heightened awareness of quality and safety. This study pioneers SDT integration into CDW recycling, unveils key innovation mechanisms, highlights remanufactured product quality's impact, and provides a strategic foundation for advancing recycling technologies. • Considering self-determination theory in TI behavior. • Market demand promotes enterprises to adopt TI behavior. • Quality and safety awareness drive adoption of TI behavior. • The influence path of factors on CDW remanufactured products is analyzed.