This paper presents a conceptual framework for sustainable value creation through industrial symbiosis. This is a cross-disciplinary study informed by a qualitative research survey. We identify internal and external enablers for the implementation of resource synergies. We identify the environmental, economic and social benefits for key stakeholders involved in industrial symbiosis. The study will support the definition of pathways to move from anecdotal one-off resource synergies to a systematic application of resource synergies as a means to increase resource productivity and competitiveness. The results reported in this paper are part of the wider ongoing H2020 SCALER research project (Scaling European Resources with Industrial Symbiosis), which seeks to scale up industrial symbiosis throughout Europe.