Bachelor and Master Theses

Manufacturing companies are at the forefront of global sustainability challenges, facing increasing pressure to reduce waste, conserve resources, and adopt environmentally friendly practices. The concept of a circular economy (CE)—focused on designing out waste, keeping products in use, and regenerating natural systems—provides a transformative framework for achieving these goals. By leveraging smart technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain, manufacturing firms can enhance circular economy implementation through real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and closed-loop systems. However, successfully integrating smart technologies into CE practices requires strategic approaches that align with operational, financial, and environmental objectives.

Research Aim and Question
This research aims to investigate how smart technologies can be effectively utilized to implement circular economy principles in manufacturing companies. The study seeks to identify key enablers, challenges, and strategies for achieving smart circular economy implementation, focusing on optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and enhancing sustainability.

RQ: How can manufacturing companies effectively implement a smart circular economy, and what role do digital technologies play in overcoming challenges and maximizing sustainability outcomes?

Research setting and research group 

The research work will be performed in the framework of SmartCircle (Smart Circularity Implementation). This thesis work will be part of the research group DigiCircle (Digital and Circular Industrial Services). The group is currently leading research projects on battery circularity, digital and circular business models, digital servitization, and circular ecosystems with more than 15 industrial companies, public funded companies, municipalities, and industrial clusters. Your thesis work will be used as a knowledge development as part of the group and will be used in the relevant courses, projects or publications upon completion. 

Education in one of these areas (Industrial engineering and management, product development, innovation management, business management, product and process development) and Good knowledge on circular economy, business models, Industry 4.0 or digital transformation.