Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Circularity within MedTech: Key factors influencing the adoption of circular economy practices

Berggren, Sara LU and Högberg, Kajsa LU (2024) INTM01 20241
Innovation Engineering
Abstract
The healthcare sector, responsible for 5% of the world's carbon emissions, is at a
critical juncture in adopting sustainable practices, particularly through the adoption
of circular economy practices. This thesis examines the adaptation of circular
economy practices by Swedish MedTech companies, aligning with the European
Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan which supports the EU’s climate
neutrality goal by 2050.
This thesis explores the potential benefits and challenges associated with
implementing circular business models within the MedTech industry. It aims to
enhance understanding and interest in circularity while examining how companies
can integrate environmental and economic sustainability into their business
... (More)
The healthcare sector, responsible for 5% of the world's carbon emissions, is at a
critical juncture in adopting sustainable practices, particularly through the adoption
of circular economy practices. This thesis examines the adaptation of circular
economy practices by Swedish MedTech companies, aligning with the European
Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan which supports the EU’s climate
neutrality goal by 2050.
This thesis explores the potential benefits and challenges associated with
implementing circular business models within the MedTech industry. It aims to
enhance understanding and interest in circularity while examining how companies
can integrate environmental and economic sustainability into their business
strategies.
The research questions are addressed through a comprehensive literature review and
a multiple case study, which includes semi-structured interviews with nine Swedish
MedTech companies. Insights from literature and interviews are synthesized to
identify drivers and barriers, as well as key factors influencing circular business
models. Additionally, the study explores circular business model innovation.
Following this, a roadmap is developed that outlines practical steps for companies
to innovate and adapt, ultimately facilitating integration of circular economy
practices.
In conclusion, while the MedTech industry recognizes the substantial opportunities
that circular economy practices offer for innovation and competitive advantage,
numerous challenges could slow down this transformative shift. Significant barriers
include stringent regulatory environments that limit flexibility in implementing
circular economy practices, the high costs and investment risks associated with new
business models, and the lack of infrastructure for circular processes. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Berggren, Sara LU and Högberg, Kajsa LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
Cirkuläritet inom MedTech: Nyckelfaktorer som påverkar införandet av cirkulär ekonomi
course
INTM01 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
circular economy, circular business models, MedTech, HealthTech, drivers and barriers
language
English
id
9161563
date added to LUP
2024-06-14 15:14:49
date last changed
2024-06-14 15:14:49
@misc{9161563,
  abstract     = {{The healthcare sector, responsible for 5% of the world's carbon emissions, is at a
critical juncture in adopting sustainable practices, particularly through the adoption
of circular economy practices. This thesis examines the adaptation of circular
economy practices by Swedish MedTech companies, aligning with the European
Commission's Circular Economy Action Plan which supports the EU’s climate
neutrality goal by 2050.
This thesis explores the potential benefits and challenges associated with
implementing circular business models within the MedTech industry. It aims to
enhance understanding and interest in circularity while examining how companies
can integrate environmental and economic sustainability into their business
strategies.
The research questions are addressed through a comprehensive literature review and
a multiple case study, which includes semi-structured interviews with nine Swedish
MedTech companies. Insights from literature and interviews are synthesized to
identify drivers and barriers, as well as key factors influencing circular business
models. Additionally, the study explores circular business model innovation.
Following this, a roadmap is developed that outlines practical steps for companies
to innovate and adapt, ultimately facilitating integration of circular economy
practices.
In conclusion, while the MedTech industry recognizes the substantial opportunities
that circular economy practices offer for innovation and competitive advantage,
numerous challenges could slow down this transformative shift. Significant barriers
include stringent regulatory environments that limit flexibility in implementing
circular economy practices, the high costs and investment risks associated with new
business models, and the lack of infrastructure for circular processes.}},
  author       = {{Berggren, Sara and Högberg, Kajsa}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Circularity within MedTech: Key factors influencing the adoption of circular economy practices}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}