This dissertation will explore the potential methods for achieving Urban-Industrial Symbiosis (UIS) through the existing cases of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) and Urban Symbiosis (US) in several regions to increase the efforts against the world’s sustainability challenges. While the topic of UIS has become a growing research interest in symbiosis system studies, research has not focused on the actual formation of a UIS system (UISS).

This PhD seeks to integrate, extend, and link knowledge on areas of IS, US, and UIS by answering the research questions:

• How can IS and US be integrated into an UISS?
• What are the determinant factors in forming and developing a symbiosis system?
• What is the current situation of energy symbiosis within symbiosis systems and how can it be utilised for an UISS?
• What is the current situation of US and how can it be leveraged within UISS?

In order to answer these questions comprehensively, seven symbiosis cases in different countries have been selected with each showing signs of urban or industrial expansion and energy symbiosis.

The main research findings of this PhD are based on theory building as a result of data collection and analysis. It includes the Identification of Determinant Factors for symbiosis project success which can be roughly classified as Fundamental, Design, Support, and Logistics factors. Further research findings will include the Establishment of the Evolution of symbiosis systems and the Establishment of Transitional Processes for symbiosis system operation to present symbiosis systems from a longitudinal perspective, including its causes. Finally, the Establishment of an UISS Framework is presented as UIS is a nascent topic. It will identify the current state and potential issues of existing symbiosis systems and guide the formation and development of symbiosis systems into an UISS.

This dissertation seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge of symbiosis systems by enriching the understanding of the factors that impact symbiosis projects & systems creation and development both from an initial creation and a longitudinal perspective, theories that can be further tested in the future. It further enriches the understanding on the evolution of symbiosis systems and clarifies key knowledge for UIS formation, interactions, & management. The practical contribution of this dissertation is associated with industrial organisations and policy makers in its ability to guide the successful initial and further development of symbiosis systems and its eventual expansion into UISS for greater benefits.