Bachelor and Master Theses

Context and Motivation

The manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role in driving the global transition toward a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible through strategies such as reuse, remanufacturing, recycling, and product-life extension. This shift—often referred to as circular transformation—requires manufacturing companies to move beyond traditional linear “take-make-dispose” models and adopt new ways of designing, producing, and delivering value.

However, achieving circular transformation is not merely a technical challenge; it involves organizational, cultural, and systemic change. Companies must reconfigure their business models, supply chains, and digital capabilities to support circular practices while remaining economically viable and competitive. Despite growing awareness of circular economy principles, many manufacturers face difficulties in implementing circular strategies due to a lack of understanding of the factors that enable or hinder this transformation.

Understanding these factors is essential to accelerate progress toward sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing systems. By identifying and analyzing the key drivers, barriers, and enablers of circular transformation, this research aims to provide insights that support both strategic decision-making and policy development in the manufacturing sector.

Research Aim:
This research aims to identify and analyze the key factors that affect circular transformation in manufacturing companies. The study seeks to develop a conceptual framework that highlights the technological, organizational, and external factors influencing the shift toward circular business models and operations. The goal is to enhance understanding of how manufacturers can effectively transition toward circularity while balancing environmental, economic, and social objectives.

Research Question (RQ):
What are the key factors affecting circular transformation in manufacturing companies, and how do these factors influence the successful implementation of circular economy practices?

Research setting and research group 

Thesis work will be performed in the research project of SmartCircle (Smart Circularity Implementation). You can search the project on MDU webpage for more information. 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 10 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, energy engineering and management) and familiar with circular economy, business models, Industry 4.0 or digital transformation.