Translating Barriers into Action - A Framework for Take-Back Implementation in Danish Production SMEs: A Framework for Take-Back Implementation in Danish Production SMEs
Translated title
Translating Barriers into Action - A Framework for Take-Back Implementation in Danish Production SMEs
Authors
Rocha, Frederik Sø ; Paludan, Augusta Bo
Term
4. Term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-05-28
Pages
44
Abstract
Elektronisk affald belaster miljøet, og derfor bliver cirkulær økonomi mere relevant. En vigtig løsning er returordninger (take-back-systemer), hvor virksomheder tager brugte produkter tilbage for at genbruge, reparere eller genanvende dem. For små og mellemstore virksomheder (SMV’er) er overgangen svær på grund af økonomiske, logistiske og organisatoriske barrierer. Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan danske SMV’er kan få støtte til at overvinde disse barrierer ved at udvikle et praktisk værktøj baseret på designforskningsmetoder. Gennem en litteraturgennemgang, interviews og et case-studie med Contour Design, en dansk SMV, identificeres 15 centrale barrierer og kobles til mulige drivere (enablers). Med de teoretiske rammer Multi-Level Perspective og Arenas of Development – tilgange der ser på, hvordan teknologi, regler, markeder og aktører påvirker hinanden – analyseres de sociotekniske dynamikker, der præger implementeringen. Projektet opstiller et tretrins program: 1) en diagnostisk vurdering for at identificere barrierer, 2) en handlingsplan (roadmap), der samler interne interessenter om løsninger, og 3) et pilotprojekt. For at hjælpe SMV’en gennem de to første trin blev værktøjer udviklet og afprøvet iterativt. Diagnoseværktøjet fungerer både som en modenhedsvurdering og som et fælles referencepunkt, der fremmer dialog og fælles læring i organisationen. Der er behov for yderligere afprøvning for at vurdere, hvor godt værktøjet kan overføres og skaleres. Arbejdet bidrager med et praktisk, teoriforankret støttesystem til SMV’er, der vil indføre cirkulære strategier og drive mere bæredygtige forretningspraksisser.
Electronic waste harms the environment, making circular economy solutions increasingly important. One key approach is take-back systems, where companies collect used products for reuse, repair, or recycling. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), adopting these systems is difficult due to economic, logistical, and organizational barriers. This thesis explores how Danish SMEs can be supported to overcome these barriers by designing a practical tool grounded in design research methods. Through a literature review, interviews, and a case study with Contour Design, a Danish SME, the study identifies 15 key barriers and connects them to enabling factors. Using the Multi-Level Perspective and Arenas of Development frameworks—ways of understanding how technologies, rules, markets, and actors interact—the project analyzes the socio-technical dynamics that shape implementation. It proposes a three-step program: 1) a diagnostic assessment to identify barriers, 2) a roadmap to address them by aligning internal stakeholders, and 3) a pilot project. To support SMEs through the first two steps, tools were developed and iteratively tested. The diagnostic tool works both as a maturity assessment and as a shared reference point that fosters dialogue and co-learning within organizations. Further testing is needed to assess transferability and scalability. The work contributes a practical, theory-informed support system for SMEs seeking to adopt circular strategies and pursue more sustainable business practices.
[This summary has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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