Improving decision-making and stakeholder engagement at project governance using digital technology for sustainable infrastructure projects

Abstract

Purpose Achieving sustainable development goals requires efficient decision-making and stakeholder engagement in infrastructure projects. This research aims to investigate how decision-making and stakeholder engagement at the project governance level can be advanced using digital technology to improve sustainability performance in infrastructure projects. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in technology acceptance model, this qualitative study explored the perceptions of professionals in facilitating sustainability within infrastructure projects. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected infrastructure professionals and data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings Digital technology enables evidence-based decision-making aligned with sustainability goals by providing real-time data, optimizing data analysis and enhancing data authenticity while reducing resource and time pressure. It promotes efficient stakeholder engagement by offering integrated, collaborative and centralized platforms which foster transparency, collaboration, mitigate the risk of greenwashing and modern slavery by streamlining communication and reducing siloed engagement. However, human oversight remains essential to prevent technological misinterpretation. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights for project management professionals seeking to integrate digital technology into sustainable infrastructure projects. It demonstrates how digital technology can enhance environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability in infrastructure projects, helping them to remain competitive in a dynamic project environment. Social implications Digital technology presents reliable, up to date environmental, social and economic data required for informed decision-making, enabling socially sustainable choices. This reduces risks of erroneous decision and benefit broader communities by addressing sustainability challenges, fostering a resilience and enhancing social well-being. Originality/value Despite the slow adoption of digital technology in Australian infrastructure projects, enhancing sustainability performance remains crucial. This research addresses this gap by offering a comprehensive understanding of how digital technology can improve decision-making and stakeholder engagement at project governance level.