Remanufacturing plays a crucial role in circular business models as it offers a sustainable approach to restoring products while reducing energy and resource consumption. In the automotive industry, remanufactured parts are widely used for spare parts, although their usage is still limited compared to newly produced parts. While remanufacturing is considered environmentally beneficial, it is essential to take into account the impact of reverse logistics practices when assessing the environmental and economic effects of remanufactured parts. This research aims to develop a simulation-based decision support tool for assessing Scania’s aftermarket operations. It evaluates the environmental and economic impact of using remanufactured spare parts compared to newly produced ones. Using agent-based and discrete event methods, the simulation model analyzes the effectiveness of the reverse logistics network in terms of CO2 emissions and cost. The findings highlight the benefits of remanufacturing in terms of cost, CO2 emissions, and material savings compared to new production. These findings support the integration of remanufactured parts into the industry’s circular practices. It enables waste reduction, extends the lifespan of products, and contributes to overall sustainability efforts. The simulation model developed in this study can serve as a valuable tool for decision-makers seeking to evaluate the environmental and economic implications of using remanufactured spare parts.

Corporate spin-offs have been on the rise in recent years and this trend has captured the interest from corporations worldwide who are looking to manage change and innovation in a new and exciting way.  This research includes primary data from case studies conducted through semi-structured interviews and secondary data from previous research around the subject area. Prior research has highlighted the financial aspect of spin-offs as well as university driven spin-offs while this research features learnings from two Stockholm based spin-offs and their views on organizational success and the relationship between the parent company and the spin-off. This research highlights the motives behind introducing a spin-off and how technological advancements has impacted the success of the spin-off.  The findings of this research are underlined by the spin-offs ability to make use of the parent company’s expertise and highly focused business departments which helps the spin-off focus on its core competencies. In addition, the findings suggest that the motives behind introducing a corporate spin-off in 2017 are related to improving the customer experience while making modifications correlated to the cost structure, which most often attracts a new customer segment.  Throughout the research, it was evident that spin-offs often collaborate with external partners hired by the parent company. Because of this, this research provides insights from third party vendors with significant experience in technology startups, operational strategies and spin-off processes.  This research contributes to the field of industrial management by demonstrating local developments in innovation management techniques while also showcasing how consumer trends influences business decisions.

Credit institutions constitute a central part of life as it is today and has been doing so for a long time. A fault within the banking system can cause a tremendous amount of damage to individuals as well as countries. A recent and memorable fault is the global financial crisis 2007-2009. It has affected millions of people in different ways ever since it struck. What caused it is a complex issue which cannot be answered easily. But what has been done to prevent something similar to occur once again? How has the business models of the credit institutions changed since the crisis? Cluster analysis is used in this thesis to address these questions. Banking-data were processed with Calinski-Harabasz Criterion and Ward's method and this resulted in two clusters being found. A cluster is a collection of observations that have similar characteristics or business model in this case. The business models that the clusters represents are universal banking with a retail focus and universal banking with a wholesale focus. These business models have been analyzed over time (2007-2016), which revealed that the credit institutions have developed in a healthy direction. Thus, credit institutions were more financially reliable in 2016 compared to 2007. According to trends in the data this development is likely to continue. / Kreditinstituten utgör en central del av livet som det ser ut idag och har gjort det under en lång tid. Ett fel inom banksystemet kan orsaka enorma skador för individer likväl som länder. Ett nutida och minnesvärt fel är den globala finanskrisen 2007-2009. Den har påverkat millioner människor på olika vis ända sedan den slog till. Vad som orsakade den är en komplex fråga som inte kan besvaras med lätthet. Men vad har gjorts för att förebygga att något liknande händer igen? Hur har affärsmodellerna för kreditinstituten ändrats sedan krisen? Klusteranalys används i denna rapport för att adressera dessa frågor. Bankdata processerades med Calinski-Harabasz Kriteriet and Wards metod och detta resulterade i att två kluster hittades. Ett kluster är en samling observationer med liknande karakteristik eller affärsmodell i detta fall. De affärsmodeller som klustrena representerar är universella banker med retail fokus samt universella banker med wholessale fokus. Dessa affärsmodeller har analyserats över tid, vilket har avslöjat att kreditinstituten har utvecklats i en hälsosam riktning. Kreditinstituten var mer finansiellt pålitliga 2016 jämfört med 2007. Enligt trender i datan så är det troligt att denna utveckling forsätter.

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an immature manufacturing technology which is often considered to have the potential of disrupting the manufacturing industry and many industrial companies are currently investigating how they can position themselves within the AM market. Technological innovations alone are often insufficient to fully exploit the benefits of new technology and requires to be accompanied with business model innovation. Consequently, companies face challenges to find guidance related to the application of AM; what to offer and to whom (value proposition), how to deliver such offering (value creation) and how to capture the profit (value capture) – that is, how to structure an AM business model. Therefore, this research investigates how large incumbent manufacturing companies tackle the emerging AM market from a business model perspective. The research unpacks the common themes within three business model components (value proposition, value creation and value capture) in the context of an AM business model, where theme 5 is contradicted by theory and by several other themes: 1. Immature demand 2. Internal cases as a starting point 3. Knowledge offerings 4. End-to-end solutions 5. Broad customer focus 6. Start in a technology niche, then expand 7. Invest in machines to learn AM 8. Change in designer mindset required 9. Partnerships to drive the AM market forward 10. A shift in power 11. Close customer relations 12. It is a race to the market The research is based on a multiple-case study consisting of 16 interviews at six different companies and two universities. / Additiv tillverkning (AM) är en omogen tillverkningsteknik som anses ha potential att kraftigt påverka den tillverkande industrin och många företag närmar sig nu AM för att undersöka hur de kan ta en stark position på marknaden. Teknologiska innovationer i sig är ofta otillräckliga för att till fullo utnyttja fördelar med ny teknik och därför krävs även innovation av affärsmodeller. Det kan vara svårt för företag att hitta argument och stöd för hur en affärsmodell inom AM ska struktureras, det vill säga avgöra vad som ska erbjudas och till vem (value proposition), hur erbjudandet ska levereras (value creation) och hur vinsten ska tillvaratas (value capture). Därför undersöker den här studien hur stora tillverkande företag möter den växande AM-marknaden utifrån ett affärsmodellsperspektiv. Forskningen påvisar gemensamma teman inom tre affärsmodellskomponenter (value proposition, value creation, value capture) i en AM-kontext, där tema 5 motsägs både av teorin och av flera andra teman: 1. Omogen efterfrågan 2. Starta med interna uppdrag 3. Kunskapserbjudanden 4. Helhetslösningar 5. Brett kundfokus 6. Börja i en tekniknisch, expandera sedan 7. Investera i maskiner för att bygga kunskap 8. Behov av förändring i designers tankesätt 9. Partnerskap för att driva AM-marknaden framåt 10. Maktpositionen skiftar 11. Nära kundrelationer 12. Det pågår ett race till marknaden Forskningen är baserad på en multipel fallstudie som inkluderar 16 intervjuer på sex olika företag och två universitet.

The circular economy (CE) has been identified as a catalyst in sustainable development and economic growth that has the potential to move society from the traditional linear model of resource consumption in the form of take-make-waste to an innovative circular model in the form of reduce-reuse-recycle. Transitioning from the linear economy to the CE requires changes in four areas: material and product design, business models, global reverse networks and enabling business environments. This study considers the financing needs of CE companies as a result of business model changes. Through the case studies of Ragn-Sellsföretagen AB and Inrego AB, analysed with secondary data from ING Bank and primary data collected through semi-structured interviews with the case companies, this research sheds more light on the financing needs of circular economy companies and how they are financed. Findings from this research suggest that the financing needs of circular economy companies depend on the value proposition of the company. In accordance with the pecking order of capital structure, all financing needs of the companies studied are financed from internal sources, particularly retained earnings before external debt financing is accessed. Findings indicate the willingness of banks to finance circular economy companies. The results of this research suggest that the circular economy companies studied do not need financial support from the government or its agencies to succeed even though favourable laws are welcomed. They report that their long-term success depends on their ability to remain innovative in their business models, aligning with Schumpeter’s creative destruction model.

Secondhand är en växande marknad i dagens samhälle och utmanar de traditionella företagen i detaljhandeln gällande hur kläder tillverkas och säljs. Med hållbarhet i åtanke väljer allt fler att konsumera begagnade kläder för att reducera sin klimatpåverkan. Detta till trots är överkonsumtion fortsatt ett problem. Vilket ställer frågan om det räcker att köpa secondhand, om konsumtionen fortsatt är högre än nödvändigt. Studiens syfte är att undersöka hur secondhand-aktörer kan växa på ett mer hållbart sätt genom sina affärsmodeller samt vilka hinder och möjligheter som uppstår. Studien ska bidra med bättre förståelse gällande secondhand-aktörers möjligheter i att främja hållbar konsumtion och samtidigt bibehålla en finansiell tillväxt. Det empiriska materialet är samlat genom kvalitativa intervjuer med tre respondenter som verkar inom den svenska secondhand-marknaden. Materialet har analyserats med hjälp av tidigare forskning och etablerade affärsmodeller som del av det teoretiska ramverket. Studien har identifierat utmaningar vad gäller att främja hållbar konsumtion med en affärsmodell byggd på att omsätta höga volymer. Däremot har affärsmodeller, med ett kvalitetsfokus, höga vinstmarginaler och högre grad segmentering en bättre chans att lyckas uppnå balans. / Secondhand is a growing market in society and challenges the regular retail companies in how they make and sell clothes. With sustainability in mind, more people choose to buy used clothing to reduce their impact on the climate. However, overconsumption is still a big problem leaving questions if just buying clothes secondhand is enough if you buy more than you need. This study aims to investigate how secondhand companies can be profitable in a more sustainable way through their business models and what challenges and possibilities it may bring by achieving this. The main purpose of this study is to provide a deeper understanding about how secondhand businesses can increase their sustainability without compromising financial growth. The empirical material is collected by doing qualitative interviews with three respondents in the business of secondhand and have been analyzed by using previous research and different business models as a part of our theoretical framework. The study has found challenges as it pertains to achieving sustainable consumption while increasing revenue through higher volumes. However, business models focused on quality and profiting on higher margins with higher segmentation are more likely to achieve balance.

Following an increased transport activity, higher rates of intermodal transportation is seen as a possible way to a more sustainable transportation industry. Efficient and digitalized communication flows between actors can lead to improved flexibility and reliability, thus contributing to a more competitive service and higher utilization of intermodal transportation. However, as of today, the industry is experiencing barriers regarding digitalization. The purpose of this study is to investigate communication flows between intermodal transportation actors and explore the potential of digital transformation to increase utilization of intermodal transportation. The study includes a mapping of communication flows at Stockholm Norvik Port as well as an analysis of barriers and development. The mapping is presented as two figures, one for import of goods and one for export of goods. The figures show the container moves and the type of communication between actors. Based on current state and qualitative data collected through interviews, barriers and developments of communication flows are identified. The study shows that communication flows are still characterized by manual processes. Automating communication flows would reduce the number of human errors and inefficiencies, leading to improved reliability and flexibility within the system. The barriers found to hamper digitalization are mainly related to the themes of low willingness, size of investment, system integration, data security, and a lack of cooperation between actors. Implementing new technologies will not be utilized effectively unless all actors adapt. The study identifies an overall low digital maturity among the actors. When discussing technological developments, the actors show reliance on current business models, limiting the way technologies are developed and implemented, leading to risk of missing potential value. / En ökad nyttjandegrad av intermodal transport ses som en potentiell lösning till de hållbarhetsproblem som kommer av en ökad transportaktivitet. Effektiva och digitaliserade kommunikationsflöden mellan aktörer kan leda till förbättrad reliabilitet och flexibilitet och därmed bidra till en mer konkurrenskraftig tjänst och högre nyttjandegrad av intermodal transport. I dagsläget upplever dock branschen barriärer gällande digitalisering. Syftet med den här studien är att undersöka kommunikationsflöden mellan intermodala transportaktörer och utforska vilken potential digital transformation har för att öka nyttjandegraden av intermodal transport. Studien består av en kartläggning av kommunikationsflöden kring Stockholm Norvik Hamn och en analys av barriärer och utvecklingspunkter. Kartläggningen presenteras som två figurer, där den ena visar importflöden och den andra exportflöden. I figurerna visas hur containrarna förflyttas och vilka kommunikationssätt som används mellan aktörerna. Baserat på nuläget och data insamlad genom kvalitativa intervjuer är barriärer och utvecklingspunkter identifierade. Studien visar att kommunikationsflödena fortfarande till stor grad karaktäriseras av manuella processer. Genom att automatisera kommunikationsflödena skulle man kunna minska antalet fel till följd av mänskliga faktorer och ineffektiviteter, vilket skulle leda till förbättrad reliabilitet och flexibilitet i systemet. De barriärer som hindrar digitalisering är i huvudsak relaterade till temana låg vilja, investeringsstorlek, systemintegration, datasäkerhet och brist på samarbete mellan aktörer. Implementering av nya teknologier kommer inte att användas effektivt om inte alla aktörer anpassar sig. Studien identifierar en genomgående låg digital mognad för aktörerna, vilket tydliggörs genom hur de visar tilltro till nuvarande affärsmodeller. Detta begränsar hur teknologierna utvecklas och implementeras, vilket leder till att de riskerar att missa potentiellt värde.

The aim of this project is to investigate the influence of AI on CBMs, specifically focusing on the aggregated dimensions of value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture. This study employs a qualitative research design inspired by a deductive approach. A systematic literature review was conducted from scientific articles. Interviews with manufacturing companies and AI experts are also utilized to enrich understanding and validate the theoretical model. A thematic analysis was conducted to extract and examine patterns and themes and from that a framework has been developed about how AI influences the circular business values of value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value creation. The key enablers and challenges are outlined, categorized into three main groups: Technological, Organizational, and Environmental factors. The conclusion is that AI enables CBMs in manufacturing by optimizing materials, enhancing predictive maintenance, improving recycling processes, and enabling dynamic pricing models. Key enablers include robust AI infrastructure, organizational support, and regulatory frameworks. Challenges encompass inadequate infrastructure, data issues, and skill shortages. Competitive pressures and regulations drive adoption but also pose hurdles.

Purpose: This study explores circular business models from the perspective of distributors, focusing on how they can create, deliver, and capture value within circular supply chains. Method: This study is an exploratory case study of a leading Nordic distributor. Qualitative data were gathered through 36 interviews conducted in three phases with the distributor, six customers, and six suppliers. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data. Findings: The results indicates that there are multiple activities distributors can conduct to create, deliver, and capture value in a circular business model. Distributors can create value through these activities: create awareness, curate and develop products, ensure compliance with legislation and coordinate partnerships. Distributors can deliver value by manage transportation, manage warehouse logistics, provide reused, refurbished, and repaired products, provide rental and leasing models, offer service agreements, and recycle products and materials. Distributors can capture value by evaluate investments and costs, create pricing strategies, implement additional revenue streams, and manage warranties. Managerial implications: The result of this thesis concretizes activities that distributors can incorporate within a CBM regarding circular value creation, circular value delivery and circular value capture. The activities are either categorized as unique for distributors or activities that can be managed either by distributors or other parties such as suppliers, customers, or a third party. Distributors should execute activities unique for distributors within a CBM to contribute to a CSC. Furthermore, distributors can execute activities that are not unique for distributors when applicable and determined favorable for their CBM. Additionally, the listed activities concern different departments at distributors including sustainability, sales, purchasing, logistics, and management. The different departments should bear responsibility for their respective activities. Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to previously unexplored area within circular business models from the distributor perspective. First, it addresses the pivotal role of distributors in fostering collaboration within the circular supply chain, demonstrating how distributors are not just participants but enablers of the flow of goods, information, and money. Distributors can manage their own CBM or contribute to another party’s CBM. Secondly, it broadens the current understanding of value creation and value delivery in a circular business model. Our findings regarding circular value creation reveal that educating customers about the benefits of circular products is essential for fostering acceptance and driving circular value creation. Our findings regarding circular value delivery reveal critical and previously underexplored challenges in the logistics processes. Distributors face significant hurdles in handling products as specific units rather than in batches, complicating reverse logistics and exponentially increasing costs. Limitations and future research: The exploratory nature of our study highlights the nascent understanding of CBMs for distributors. Consequently, the results of this study are indicative rather than definitive. Future research can explore diverse company sizes to enhance generalizability. Additionally, deeper investigation into specific mechanisms of value creation, delivery, and capture within circular business models is recommended. Furthermore, the concept of whether distributors should create their own CBM or contribute to another party’s CBM could be further investigated since this a concept we introduced in this thesis. Additionally, further studies could therefore consider a perspective broader range of company sizes and types, of the research. Additionally, another area for future research could involve taking a global perspective, as practices and systems related to circular activities can differ significantly between countries.

The Circular Economy (CE) represents a transformative approach to sustainable development, aiming to replace the traditional linear "take-make-waste" model with a regenerative system that minimizes waste through the continual use of resources. This thesis provides an up-to-date examination of the adoption of CE principles within a selection of Swedish companies, exploring how these principles are integrated into their business models and the challenges and opportunities that arise from their implementation. Through a comprehensive analysis, including literature reviews, document analysis, comparative analysis, and thematic analysis, this study provides a detailed insight into the operationalization of CE in Sweden and a hypothetical case study scenario with recommendation on implementing CE practices. Companies such as IKEA and H&M are highlighted for their robust CE practices. The findings suggest a positive trend toward sustainability, driven by a combination of regulatory support and strong corporate commitment to environmental stewardship, although challenges related to operational and regulatory constraints persist. This thesis contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable economic practices by outlining actionable strategies for enhancing CE adoption across industries.