Digital Technology For The Circular Economy In Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

This thesis investigates how digital technologies (DT) can support the circular economy (CE) within the manufacturing context. In existing literate, there is a weakness in systematic frameworks for understanding the functions of DTs that can support CE in the manufacturing context, and a lack of empirical evidence to underpin theoretical assumptions. The thesis seeks to address these gaps by employing systematic literature review and semi-structured interview research methods to investigate three aspects: (1) the functions of DTs and how to use them for CE, as described in the literature, (2) the extent to which empirical evidence supports the digital functions (DFs) identified in the literature, and investigates their applications in practice, and (3) how manufacturing firms collaborate with technology providers to implement DT for CE. The thesis is organized into three corresponding research chapters: 1. This research aims to identify what are the main functions of DTs for the CE in literature? And how can these DFs be used to implement CE strategies in literature? This study reviews 174 papers and identifies thirteen DFs relevant to CE strategies and seven mechanisms for their implementation. 2. This research seeks answer two questions: What are the main functions of DTs for the CE in practice? How can these DFs be used to implement CE strategies in practice? Based on interviews with 61 experts, the research validates the relevance of the thirteen DFs identified in the literature and introduces a new function, "Visualize." On the basis of the empirical evidence, the research also identifies five general application patterns and eleven implementation mechanisms for manufacturers and their stakeholders. 3. This research aims to find out how technology providers can support manufacturing firms’ sustainable value creation in Circular Economy practices. This study uses semi-structured interviews to determine how firms manage collaboration with technology providers to implement DTs for CE. The findings suggest four degrees of DT integration, three levels of CE value co-creation networks, and four patterns for technology providers’ sustainable value co-creation.