A Framework for Defining and Developing Capabilities for Operations and Maintenance of Infrastructure Assets

Bibliographic Data

ID13113196
AuthorsDejan Papič (University of Ljubljana, corresponding author), Damjan Maletič (0000-0002-6871-2720, University of Maribor), Robert Klinc (0000-0002-0027-420X, University of Ljubljana)
Year2025
Volume9
Issue11
Pages436-436
Publication date2025-10-22
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueUrban Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2413-8851 • E-ISSN: 2413-8851
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/urbansci9110436
OpenAlexW4415450484
LanguageEN
References cited48

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

Adaptation (eye · Asset (computer security · Asset management · Component (thermodynamics · Context (archaeology · Critical infrastructure · Information infrastructure · Key (lock · Construction Project Management and Performance

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access