Stakeholder engagement framework to foster circularity throughout the construction project lifecycle: a qualitative Delphi study

Purpose Stakeholder engagement is crucial for achieving circularity in the construction industry. It has already been established that the lack of stakeholder engagement in the construction industry is a significant barrier to fostering circularity. Hence, this study aims to develop a framework that promotes circularity in the construction sector by enhancing the engagement of major stakeholders throughout the life cycle of a construction project. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a pragmatic philosophical approach, utilising a qualitative research approach, which consists of a comprehensive literature review and three rounds of semi-structured expert interviews with major stakeholders who have expertise in circular economy (CE), conducted using the Delphi technique. The collected data were analysed using the NVivo 12 software. Findings The findings of this study introduce the major stakeholders involved in fostering CE in the construction industry. The study identified six major stakeholder types for CE implementation in the construction industry and provides 35 stakeholder engagement activities for identified major stakeholders. Additionally, the study provides 24 strategies to promote stakeholder engagement activities for major stakeholders to foster CE within the construction industry. Originality/value To the authors' best knowledge, this is the only study that presents a framework involving different major stakeholders and their engagement activities aimed at fostering CE throughout the project life cycle, along with the strategies to enhance engagement activities. The outcome of this study contributes to the industry, academia and society in maintaining resilience in all considered sectors.