Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery Models in Developing and Emerging Economies

• Author(s): Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi ; Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju ; Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu
• Paper ID: 1710576
• Page: 410-425
• Published Date: 31-03-2018
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 1 Issue 9 March-2018

Abstract

Infrastructure development is critical for economic growth, urbanization, and social well-being in developing and emerging economies. However, these regions face persistent challenges, including funding constraints, governance inefficiencies, fragmented project delivery, and environmental degradation. Traditional infrastructure delivery models often fail to address long-term sustainability, resilience, and cost-effectiveness, resulting in suboptimal outcomes for communities and ecosystems. In this context, conceptualizing sustainable infrastructure delivery models is essential to guide policymakers, practitioners, and investors in planning, executing, and managing infrastructure projects that meet both development and environmental objectives. This review presents a conceptual framework for sustainable infrastructure delivery tailored to the unique socio-economic, environmental, and institutional contexts of developing and emerging economies. The framework integrates key components such as governance and institutional capacity, economic and financial mechanisms, technical and operational considerations, environmental and social sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation processes. It examines different delivery models, including public sector-led approaches, private sector-led models, hybrid partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and adaptability across sectors such as transport, energy, water, and urban development. Emerging trends, such as the integration of digital technologies (BIM, IoT, GIS), circular economy principles, climate resilience, and community-centric strategies, are analyzed to illustrate pathways for enhancing efficiency, accountability, and sustainability. The framework also identifies critical research gaps, including limited empirical validation, policy fragmentation, skill shortages, and financing challenges, which constrain the widespread adoption of sustainable infrastructure practices. The proposed conceptual framework offers a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to infrastructure delivery, emphasizing lifecycle planning, stakeholder collaboration, and performance-based assessment. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers to design and implement infrastructure projects that are economically viable, socially inclusive, environmentally responsible, and resilient to emerging challenges. By promoting multi-stakeholder engagement and integrated planning, this framework contributes to advancing sustainable development goals and fostering long-term infrastructure sustainability in developing and emerging economies.

Keywords

Sustainable Infrastructure, Delivery Models, Developing Economies, Emerging Economies, Governance Frameworks, Public-Private Partnerships, Lifecycle Planning, Cost Optimization, Risk Management

Citations

IRE Journals:
Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi , Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju , Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu "Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery Models in Developing and Emerging Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 1 Issue 9 2018 Page 410-425

IEEE:
Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi , Olamide Folahanmi Bayeroju , Zamathula Queen Sikhakhane Nwokediegwu "Conceptual Framework for Sustainable Infrastructure Delivery Models in Developing and Emerging Economies" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 1(9)