The complexities associated with the deployment of indoor 5G infrastructure in commercial and industrial buildings are explored, with the aim of identifying the most practical and cost-effective strategies. The research delves into technical, economic, and stakeholder aspects of indoor 5G implementation within the Swedish context. Key technical challenges and potential solutions are thoroughly examined, and the importance of high-capacity and dependable wireless coverage is underscored. The economic viability is probed, underpinned by an analysis of costs, potential revenue streams, strategic benefits, and regulatory policies. A cost-sharing model is proposed, offering insights into potentially sustainable and equitable ways of financing indoor 5G infrastructure. The distinctive roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, including telecommunication operators, property owners, end-users, equipment suppliers, and the regulatory authority, are elaborated upon, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration and shared responsibilities for successful 5G deployment. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for ongoing research and collaboration among stakeholders in the dynamic 5G ecosystem, underscoring the transformative nature of 5G in reshaping wireless connectivity and its potential to deliver substantial economic and societal advantages. / Komplexiteten i samband med utrullningen av inomhus 5G-infrastruktur i kommersiella och industriella byggnader utforskas, med målet att identifiera de mest praktiska och kostnadseffektiva strategierna. Forskningen fördjupar sig i tekniska, ekonomiska och intressenternas aspekter av 5G-implementering inomhus inom den svenska kontexten. Tekniska utmaningar och potentiella lösningar undersöks noggrant, och vikten av högkapacitets- och pålitlig trådlös täckning betonas. Den ekonomiska genomförbarheten undersöks, underbyggd av en analys av kostnader, potentiella intäktsströmmar, strategiska fördelar och regleringspolitik. En kostnadsdelningsmodell föreslås, vilket ger insikter i potentiellt hållbara och rättvisa sätt att finansiera inomhus 5G-infrastruktur. De distinkta rollerna och ansvaren hos intressenter, däribland telekommunikationsoperatörer, fastighetsägare, slutanvändare, utrustningsleverantörer och regleringsmyndigheten, utforskas, vilket betonar nödvändigheten av samarbete och delade ansvarsområden för framgångsrik 5G-utplacering. Studien avslutas genom att betona behovet av pågående forskning och samarbete bland intressenter i det dynamiska 5G-ekosystemet, vilket understryker 5G ́s omvandlande natur i omformningen av den trådlösa infrastruktur och dess potential att leverera betydande ekonomiska och samhälleliga fördelar.

This master’s thesis aims to improve the circularity of the electric vehicle (EV) battery value chain, specifically focusing on sustainable waste management of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) in Europe, particularly Sweden. The research objectives include evaluating and proposing actionable recommendations to enhance circularity, addressing environmental impacts, and supporting the industry’s transition towards a sustainable business model aligned with the new European Union (EU) Battery Regulation, which aims to enhance recycling rates, reduce environmental impact, and secure the recovery of valuable materials. The key research questions addressed are: (1) What initiatives, technologies, or best practices are currently being developed to support circularity and sustainable waste management in the EV battery value chain? (2) How can the circularity of the EV battery value chain be enhanced, particularly in sustainable waste management for LIBs? (3) What environmental impacts, socio-economic opportunities, and challenges exist in a circular value chain in the EV battery industry? The methodology employed a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and case study, stakeholder interviews, SWOT analysis and life cycle assessment (LCA) using Minviro LCA software to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of state-of-the-art industrial LIB recycling methods. Key findings indicate that several initiatives and technologies are being developed to support circularity, including advanced recycling technologies and second-life applications for batteries. Enhancing circularity requires regulatory support, technological advancements, and stakeholder collaborative efforts. The findings highlight significant potential for extending the lifecycle of EV batteries through re-use, re-purposing, and recycling strategies. The analysis reveals that advancements in recycling technologies and supportive regulatory frameworks can substantially reduce the environmental impact and improve LIB supply chain sustainability. Notably, the LCA results highlight that mechanical and hydrometallurgical recycling processes offer more favourable environmental outcomes than pyrometallurgical methods. Thus, it shows potential for lower environmental impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource depletion, alongside socio-economic opportunities like job creation and economic growth. However, challenges such as technological barriers, economic feasibility, regulatory compliance, and EV battery value chain complexities remain, and these must be addressed. The conclusions drawn from the findings recommend that a combination of regulatory support, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration is essential for improving the circularity of the EV battery value chain. The study recommends advancements in recycling technologies, developing efficient testing and certification processes for second-life batteries, and establishing clear regulatory frameworks to facilitate circular economy practices. These measures are crucial for supporting the industry’s shift towards a more sustainable and circular model, ultimately contributing to the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050.