Exploring the Interplay Between Digital Technologies and Circular Procurement in the Construction Industry: Current Trends and Future Research Directions

Amidst advancements in the adoption of digital technologies (DT) for the construction industry, the supply and value chain management function has undergone significant transformation in recent times. This transformation has created new possibilities for enhancing sustainability practices in the industry, with circular procurement (CP) as an undoubtedly crucial strategy to achieve circular economy goals on construction projects. However, the links between DT and CP, as well as their implications for construction supply chain processes, have remained unclear with limited research attention. This study addresses the knowledge gap by employing a comprehensive review of extant literature to gather insights into the current landscape of such technologies and their integration with CP. Sixty-five research articles were selected from the Scopus database, and its contents were examined to determine current themes and develop future research agenda. The findings of the research indicate various ways in which key DTs, including building information modelling, the internet of things, artificial intelligence, digital twins, and blockchain technology, can support the identification, tracking, and traceability of materials, as well as facilitate the sharing of information and collaboration among stakeholders among other CP-related tasks. Furthermore, the study identifies gaps and bottlenecks in the application of digital technologies for CP implementation in construction. The study contributes significantly to theory and practice by advancing the current understanding of circular economy practices in the construction processes while providing practical guidance for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers on harnessing the potential of DTs for sustainable procurement practices