Bibliometric and Systemic Analysis on Material Flow Mapping and Industrial Ecosystems

Abstract

Global instability can be seen as a reflection of the increasing demand for natural resources and the reduction of personnel expenditures. Yet, this is often associated with industrial systems, whose main objectives are to increase productive capacity and reduce costs. This scenario identifies the need for changes in strategy establishment in the organization’s operation mode focusing on sustainable development. Industrial ecosystems, through the symbiotic relationship of industries, aim to achieve sustainability goals. Material flow mapping is essential for the construction of these industrial ecosystems. Hence, the present paper carries out a structured literature review process in order to identify the state of the art and the research opportunities on material flow mapping and industrial ecosystems. For the accomplishment of this research, the methodological procedure called Knowledge Development Process — Constructivist (ProKnow-C) was adopted. The bibliographic portfolio is represented by 35 articles of the research theme. Throughout the bibliometric analysis, a statistical analysis of the articles that compose the portfolio is presented. In the systemic analysis, the main research problems, the means of solving them and the detected opportunities about this research theme are identified. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.