Industrial Symbiosis Synergies: A Pathway to Sustainable and Future Circular Economies

This research aims to investigate the concept of industrial symbiosis as a change agent in the Circular Economy, with its consequent effects on the economy, the environment, and society in terms of sustainable development. This study employs qualitative research with quantitative support from a structured survey of 152 IS project experts, researchers, and practitioners, utilizing a questionnaire comprising Likert-type and multiple-choice questions. Data were aggregated into composite indicators and analyzed by using a log-log multiple regression model. Empirical results reveal that economic benefits are the most significant positive drivers. The actors’ involvement also contributes positively, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. Conversely, barriers have the strongest and the highest negative scale impact on perceived IS synergies. Broader economic and social conditions moderately enhance synergies, while awareness and training show a weaker but positive effect. IS is both economically viable and environmentally necessary, but its expansion depends on reducing financial, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers. Certain economic policy-driven interventions, such as fiscal incentives, regulatory clarity, and investment, enable infrastructure to scale up the adoption of IS.