Indicators and Influence Factors for Sustainability Assessment of Inclusive Smart Innovation Clusters

B. Suresh, Erinjery Joseph James, Jegathambal, P.
2016 Journal of Geological Resource and Engineering  
A new manufacturing and business infrastructure industrial ecosystem model with the state-of-the art core infrastructure and smart applications in the form of inclusive smart innovation cluster is seen as a powerful tool to drive industrial symbiosis, economic, social and inclusive development. Essentially an integrated eco-industrial park, these clusters demonstrate applications of industrial ecology principles among the occupant units, besides promoting sustainable societies from economic,
more » ... ironmental and social perspectives. The holistic planning and development of these clusters from economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations or alternatively, the sustainability assessment of these clusters is highly complex. The research reported upon forms part of a larger study that aims to develop an integrated decision support system for sustainability assessment of inclusive smart innovation cluster. The paper discusses the conceptual model of the cluster and the need to establish context specific key indicators and influence factors from economic, environmental and social sustainability considerations. The paper proposes a structured methodology for development of key indicators and influence factors. The paper concludes by identifying a set of 184 key indicators and influence factors for comprehensive sustainability assessment of inclusive smart innovation cluster. Key words: Eco-industrial cluster and park, sustainability indicator and assessment, influence factors, smart development, sustainable infrastructure.
doi:10.17265/2328-2193/2016.07.001 fatcat:v7z3nx3phndi3kafamdyztlnde