Digital Data Technologies to help Technology Manufacturing Companies towards Circular Business Models

Abstract

Currently, technology manufacturing companies are driven by revenue, based on volume sales, cost reduction of supply chains, factories and operations. This is all based on the current linear economy business model. In order to go against the negative environmental impacts, sustainability plays a major role by the aim to achieve sustainable growth and enhanced resource efficiency. The optimal solution for the companies is the circular economy. In reality, the technology manufacturing companies are still far from operating closed-loop systems. Company business models and strategies are still based on the linear business models. As a key driver, digital data technologies can play a critical role in order to overcome the challenges and barriers, as well as being a key driver in gaining competitive advantages. Therefore, by conducting a structured literature review and case studies, this thesis aims to analyse the challenges and barriers, digital data technologies and circular business models. In the end, to improve the business models of technology manufacturing companies towards Circular Business Models. Ultimately, this thesis contributed to the research by generating data-driven approaches and strategies based on digital data technologies and circular business model elements. Furthermore, a flow diagram is created to give an overview of the existing literature. It shows the challenges, barriers, strategies, characteristics, and competitive advantages. Therefore, helping the technology manufacturing companies with the implementation of digital data technologies and their transition towards Circular Business Models.