A Framework for Defining and Developing Capabilities for Operations and Maintenance of Infrastructure Assets
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Infrastructure asset management faces major challenges in maintaining ageing assets while adapting to technological changes and budget constraints. This paper addresses the lack of a clear definition for “operations and maintenance (O&M) capability” in the context of infrastructure asset management. The authors conducted a systematic literature review extracting 13 capability definitions across multiple domains, followed by semi-structured interviews with 11 senior industry experts from diverse infrastructure sectors, analysing data through List–Group–Label methodology. The research resulted in a comprehensive yet practical definition of O&M capability and identified its key components through an expert-refined framework that balances comprehensiveness and simplicity. This definition provides practitioners and researchers with a common understanding that enables better adaptation of infrastructure to rapid technological change, better utilisation of data and a stronger focus on citizen needs. The framework enables cities and infrastructure operators to systematically assess, develop, and communicate their O&M capabilities, supporting standardised approaches to capability planning and performance measurement across smart city infrastructure projects. The framework creates a foundation for future research and practical applications in O&M and stimulates further development of approaches to build capabilities for smart city infrastructure.
Source: Urban Science
Authors: Dejan Papič, Damjan Maletič, Robert Klinc
Institutions: University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
Award: E-Construction
OpenAlex ID: W4415450484