Financing circular business models - risks and opportunities
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE Viktoria, Göteborg |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 074 870 |
| Project duration | November 2017 - September 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The purpose of the project was to increase the knowledge of how finance and the financial sector can become an enabler - rather than an obstacle - for the transition of SME manufacturing companies to circular business models. The final report contains both case study descriptions for three of the manufacturing companies, training materials and results and recommendations for product companies and financial actors, resp. A good business case is key, but the financial sector needs to learn more about new models and collateral and gradually build knowledge and relationships.
Expected long term effects
The project was expected to contribute to breaking the financial lock ins of today´s linear models, which, in turn, would contribute to a faster circular transition with its expected effects in the form of achieved resource, climate and other environmental goals. The project has achieved this by establishing financing as an important part of the circular transition, both among key players in Sweden and on the academic agenda. The project has contributed to the implementation of several public events on the theme and that financing of circular business models has become an academic term.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out during 21 months as a broad interview study with actors from both manufacturing/selling companies and from the financial sector. In addition to the project partners, appr. 20 actors were interviewed to obtain as broad a basis as possible. Also players in NL and UK who are pioneers in the area have participated. Dissemination has taken place both through seminars, events and workshops in Sweden, whereto the project has been specially invited, and through academic conferences and publications. A journal article establishing the area is sent for publication.