Samenvatting

The objective of this thesis is to identify how Circular Business Models enabled by Smart Technologies can lead to two interesting business cases for Small and Medium Tech Enterprises (SMTEs). This report is written due to the challenges the current linear economy faces from environmental changes and the goal set by the Dutch government and the EU to become fully circular by 2050.

This research views, why and how two leading manufacturing companies are opting for circular business models, that are facilitated by smart technology assets. The central research question of this report is, therefore, what value is created by Lely and SEW-Eurodrive by implementing Circular Business Models by means of Smart Technology, within their Value Network? To answer this question, the circular frontrunners Lely and SEW-Eurodrive provide case-based information retrieved from conducted interviews.The results of this research consist of a set of circular initiatives created by circular business models that were enabled by smart industry investments and expressed circular value. The companies their circular value drivers, barriers and value network are therefore taken into consideration. Observations show that when the intelligent value creation that smart industry assets generate are combined with circular business models, a strategy can be developed that contributes to slowing, closing and narrowing resource loops of the company. It is concluded that the value created by the case companies that is generated by the combination of smart industry value and circular value are improved customer service, a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and financial benefits. The transition SMTEs make towards a circular business strategy can show the business value of circular investments which might lead to more SMTEs transitioning towards Circular Business Models.