The role of digitization for circular business models

The purpose of this research project is to jointly discuss and find how circular value propositions could be designed between researchers and various companies active in design, production, renovation and facilities management. The goals are to describe the function of digitization, which roles companies should take in a circular ecosystem and how to gradually transition to circularity and at the same time create value in project finance and different business logics in the ecosystem and finally how to act on policy rules and new requirement criteria.

The strategic innovation program Smart Built Environment has decided to initiate the project which runs for 18 months Q3 2024-Q4 2025. The project takes place in collaboration between Luleå tekniska universitet, Linköpings universitetet, NCC, Åke Sundvall, White arkitekter, Tengbomgruppen, Sveriges Allmännytta, Ragn-Sells, Beijer byggmaterial, Ahlsell, Ramirent, VINCI Energies, Bravida och Eitech.

To achieve a circular economy, the built environment sector must rethink how buildings are designed and how business and projects are carried out. The opportunity digitized circular business models can be used for is as a tool for companies that want to integrate sustainability values and goals in their operations. From research and in practice, it has been shown that: A circular business model presupposes digitization, that circular flows should be organized as an ecosystem-like collaboration, and that circular business models are mutually dependent on policy-driven changes and that companies act proactively. The project considers circular transformation at the policy level but concentrates on opportunities at the company level.

The intention is to demonstrate how companies can gradually improve their positions and risk analyses that enable the emergence of circular business models. The project is implemented as three work packages:

• Current situation analysis and mapping,
• Analysis and identification of types of circular business models (containing 3 types of open workshops), and
• Knowledge dissemination

Link to project page on Smart Built Environment (swe) External link, opens in new window.