Construction 4.0 and Circular Economy Transitions in Developing Countries: Digitalisation, Skills, and the SDGs

The global construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by digital transformation and sustainability imperatives. Construction 4.0 is characterised by the integration of digital technologies such as BIM, IoT, AI, and automation, which offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, transparency, and lifecycle performance. Simultaneously, the circular economy agenda promotes resource efficiency, waste minimisation, and regenerative practices across the built environment. For developing countries, where rapid urbanisation, infrastructure deficits, and resource constraints intersect, the convergence of Construction 4.0 and circular economy principles presents a critical pathway toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, contextual challenges such as limited technological capacity, policy gaps, and socio-economic constraints necessitate tailored approaches. This Research Topic seeks to advance scholarly and practical discourse by exploring how Construction 4.0 can catalyse circular economy transitions in developing countries, contributing to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient infrastructure development aligned with global development priorities.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to generate cutting-edge, contextually grounded knowledge on the intersection of Construction 4.0, circular economy principles, and the achievement of the SDGs in developing countries. It aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary research that critically examines how digital technologies and circular strategies can be effectively integrated within construction systems to address pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. Specifically, this Research Topic seeks to: (1) explore innovative frameworks, models, and methodologies that enable circular construction practices supported by digital technologies; (2) investigate the enablers, barriers, and readiness levels of Construction 4.0 adoption in resource-constrained environments; and (3) assess the measurable contributions of these transitions toward SDG targets, including sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and climate action. The Research Topic further aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by encouraging empirical studies, case studies, and policy-oriented research. Contributions that reflect local realities while offering scalable and transferable insights are particularly welcome. Ultimately, this Research Topic aspires to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia about actionable pathways for accelerating sustainable construction transitions in developing economies.This Research Topic seeks contributions within the following areas:- Construction digitalisation in developing countries- Skills development in the construction industry- Construction 4.0 adoption and digital transformation in developing country construction contexts- Construction 4.0 and SDG achievement- Digitalisation and skills development in the construction industry- Circular Economy strategies and Construction 4.0 technologies for sustainable built environments- Skills transitions and workforce development for circular, digital construction in developing countries- SDG linkages and impact measurement in construction digitalisation Topic editors: Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Solomon Oisasoje Ayo-Odifiri, Andrew Ebekozien Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79602/construction-40-and-circular-economy-transitions-in-developing-countries-digitalisation-skills-and-the-sdgs