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Digital Twin Adoption in the Swedish Water Sector

Grimelton, Jacob LU ; Hartmann, Jonatan LU and Wallengren, Robin LU (2026) FEKH38 20252
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
This thesis investigates internal organizational and technological factors influencing technology
adoption in Swedish water utilities. As the sector confronts aging infrastructure and climate
change, digital transformation becomes essential, yet risk-averse cultures create barriers to
adoption. Through a qualitative multi-case study of five organizations, three DT adopters, one
non-adopter, and one supplier, data from nine semi-structured interviews were analyzed using
the TOE framework and DOI theory, as well as previous research. Findings reveal a circular
dynamic in readiness where organizations need technical capabilities to adopt new technology,
yet adoption itself develops these capabilities. While the technology’s advantages... (More)
This thesis investigates internal organizational and technological factors influencing technology
adoption in Swedish water utilities. As the sector confronts aging infrastructure and climate
change, digital transformation becomes essential, yet risk-averse cultures create barriers to
adoption. Through a qualitative multi-case study of five organizations, three DT adopters, one
non-adopter, and one supplier, data from nine semi-structured interviews were analyzed using
the TOE framework and DOI theory, as well as previous research. Findings reveal a circular
dynamic in readiness where organizations need technical capabilities to adopt new technology,
yet adoption itself develops these capabilities. While the technology’s advantages are
recognized, non-adopters face an observability gap in quantifying benefits. Data quality
emerges as a greater bottleneck than user interface issues. Organizationally, resource allocation
capability, not absolute funding, determines adoption success, as urgent operations often crowd
out strategic innovation. Post-adoption, IT centralization increases to manage security and
integration needs. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Grimelton, Jacob LU ; Hartmann, Jonatan LU and Wallengren, Robin LU
supervisor
organization
course
FEKH38 20252
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Digital Twins, Technology Adoption, Swedish Water Utilities, Advanced Analytics, Decision Making Support
language
English
id
9222153
date added to LUP
2026-02-05 17:16:39
date last changed
2026-02-05 17:16:39
@misc{9222153,
  abstract     = {{This thesis investigates internal organizational and technological factors influencing technology
adoption in Swedish water utilities. As the sector confronts aging infrastructure and climate
change, digital transformation becomes essential, yet risk-averse cultures create barriers to
adoption. Through a qualitative multi-case study of five organizations, three DT adopters, one
non-adopter, and one supplier, data from nine semi-structured interviews were analyzed using
the TOE framework and DOI theory, as well as previous research. Findings reveal a circular
dynamic in readiness where organizations need technical capabilities to adopt new technology,
yet adoption itself develops these capabilities. While the technology’s advantages are
recognized, non-adopters face an observability gap in quantifying benefits. Data quality
emerges as a greater bottleneck than user interface issues. Organizationally, resource allocation
capability, not absolute funding, determines adoption success, as urgent operations often crowd
out strategic innovation. Post-adoption, IT centralization increases to manage security and
integration needs.}},
  author       = {{Grimelton, Jacob and Hartmann, Jonatan and Wallengren, Robin}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Digital Twin Adoption in the Swedish Water Sector}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}