Evaluating the resilience of social license to operate towards NIMBY facilities: A cloud model-based approach

Abstract

This research aims to enhance the understanding of Social License to Operate (SLO) resilience in Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) facilities. The dynamic nature of SLO acquisition is explored, and its implications for the relationship between industries and local communities in NIMBY contexts. Employing a systematic literature review, the study identifies indicators for SLO resilience, categorizes them through principal component analysis, and constructs an evaluation framework from diverse stakeholder perspectives. A cloud model approach is developed for SLO resilience evaluation, departing from traditional models. The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the chosen NIMBY facility. The research reveals that SLO resilience in NIMBY facilities is a complex system influenced by such factors as information disclosure, fairness, and community education. Government, community, and business resilience are essential components, with the study identifying specific indicators for each. A Quzhou case study provides valuable insights into the proposed evaluation model's practical application and validity. The findings offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders involved in NIMBY facility construction and operation. Emphasizing transparency, fairness, and strengthened legal frameworks for public participation, the study guides for improving the resilience of SLOs in the face of evolving community dynamics. It contributes to the existing literature by integrating resilience theory with the SLO concept, offering a novel perspective on social licensing in NIMBY facilities. Introducing a cloud model approach for SLO resilience evaluation adds a methodological contribution to the field. The research's value lies in its potential to guide governments and enterprises in managing NIMBY facility challenges and balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders.