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.