Methods and tools for enabling industrial symbiosis networks in the context of industry 4.0

Over the past few decades, industrial practices have faced two significant shifts driven by digitalisation and sustainability: the advent of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and the growing awareness towards environmental issues. Within this evolving landscape, Industrial Symbiosis (IS) has emerged as a key paradigm within the Circular Economy (CE). The aim of this dissertation is to propose innovative methods, models, and tools aided at integrating I4.0 technologies and digital tools in designing and managing IS networks (ISNs), to enhance resource circularity and promote sustainable practices across industrial ecosystems. The achievement of this primary goal is driven not only by a direct interest of modern industrial companies, but also by leading government councils such as the European Commission. Initially, this dissertation systematically investigates I4.0 technologies currently used in ISNs and assesses their potential for wider integration. This includes an in-depth review of the literature as well as case studies from various industrial sectors. The dissertation focus then shifts to tools that support businesses in developing industrial synergies, particularly during the critical early stages of engagement and commitment, and the later stages of effective implementation. To ensure their practical applicability, these tools were validated in real-world industrial contexts, including the industrial area of Bergamo, Italy, and the Kwinana Industrial Area (KIA) in Perth, Australia, chosen as representative sites due to their attractiveness in terms of industrial development and IS initiatives. Finally, the dissertation proposes a digital tool to assist users and practitioners in interpreting the results of an optimisation model for ISNs, displaying useful statistics for the strategic planning of new potential synergies. The research topics explored yield theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions that assist real-world industrial companies in addressing emerging trends.