Configuring Business Models for Industrial Sidestream Commercialisation

Sammanfattning

Purpose - The purpose of this thesis is to develop a framework that guides manufacturing firms in configuring circular business models (CBMs) aiming for commercialisation of industrial sidestreams. This is achieved by identifying central practices and key focus areas within the core business model processes of value creation, value delivery, and value capture. Method - This study adopts a single case study approach focusing on a Swedish manufacturing firm. A qualitative research design was employed to explore complex issues and generate in-depth insights. Empirical data were collected in three phases, exploratory, in-depth, and validation, through 27 semi-structured interviews, which were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings - The empirical findings identified eleven interrelated business model practices across value creation, value delivery, and value capture. Together, these practices highlight key focusareas for manufacturing firms engaged in sidestream commercialisation and emphasise the need for a balanced, integrated approach across all three processes. The practices are synthesized intoa framework structured along the dimensions of Opportunity-Driven Adaptation and Organisational Boundary, capturing how firms adapt to emerging opportunities while configuring internal and external practices. This framework provides a structured basis for understanding and developing business models for sidestream commercialisation. Implications - The contribution concerns CBM literature, outlining how value creation, delivery, and capture are operationalised in sidestream commercialisation through a set of established practices. Additionally, the study clarifies ecosystem actors’ role in reducing uncertainty and illustrates how firms transition from exploration to exploitation in proactive business model development. Managerially, providing guidance on decision-making and highlighting the importance of ecosystem collaboration and early market alignment. Limitations - The research is conducted as a single-case study and does not encompass the fullrange of sidestreams generated in industrial applications. Therefore, the proposed framework should be regarded as a guiding tool rather than a universally applicable or definitive practice.