A review of drivers of sustainability in mega infrastructure projects: An institutional approach

Abstract

The need for sustainable practices in megaproject implementation is becoming acute. With the ongoing progress and expansion of mega infrastructure projects (MIPs), a lot of attention has been attracted among policymakers and researchers due to their enormous impacts on the economy, society, and the environment. Given the complexity of MIPs and the sustainability-related challenges it faces; the successful management of sustainability-related targets requires influence from the institutional forces (regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive). However, existing research on the institutional drivers that can effectively promote the sustainability of megaprojects has been largely unexplored and calls for attention. Therefore, this study aims to present a review of what drives the adoption of sustainable practices in MIPs. A systematic literature review was conducted based on a combination of keyword search in the Scopus database. Using the lens of institutional theory and deductive approach, 11 drivers for sustainability in MIPs were identified from reviewing 33 selected peer-reviewed articles. This study would enhance project stakeholders’ and policymakers’ understanding of drivers for sustainability and help further improve policies, strategies, norms and culture to support MIPs in contributing to sustainable development goals.