Integrating work breakdown structure and social network analysis for stakeholder coordination in European building permitting

Building permit processes involve multiple stakeholders across administrative, technical and regulatory domains, yet systematic analysis of their coordination patterns remains limited. This study examines stakeholder interactions using an integrated framework combining Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Social Network Analysis (SNA). Existing interview data with the building permit officials were systematically coded to develop a hierarchical WBS framework comprising stages, processes, activities and stakeholder types. The WBS structure was transformed into a graph-based social network model for quantitative analysis of stakeholder interdependencies and communication pathways. Social network analysis revealed low overall connectivity and sparse inter-stakeholder communication, with graph density and clustering coefficients indicating limited direct interactions beyond functionally necessary relationships. Despite this sparsity, average path length measurements demonstrated efficient information transmission across the network. Community detection identified functional clustering corresponding to administrative tasks, technical assessments, environmental compliance, accessibility compliance, safety assurance and public utility coordination. The integrated WBS–SNA framework provides a systematic approach for analysing stakeholder interdependencies within complex regulatory workflows. The methodology demonstrates applicability to multi-agency administrative processes involving distributed coordination responsibilities across institutional boundaries.