As a society changes the resource flows for a resource-efficient, circular economy (CE), the associated information exchanges across organizational borders need to be changed or created. However, few foundational technical solutions have been developed for an information infrastructure that enables efficient access to needed data and information originating from huge amounts of data (to be) stored within a lifecycle stage (e.g., use). This void hinders various circular business models from emerging with economic viability.
This project aims to validate the concept of digital threads on the circular economy (CE) context, together with artificial intelligence (AI) applied to big data systemically with a circular business model. The goal is to deliver a prototype of digital threads built upon AI applied to the CE context. Strategic guidance, based on the prototype, with a product/data lifecycle and a value chain, maintaining a systems perspective, will be delivered for implementing circular business models that close, narrow, or slow material flows in the Swedish manufacturing industry.
Two large manufacturing firms, Volvo Construction Equipment and Bosch Thermoteknik, own the need and provide cases that complementarily cover a wide range of a product lifecycle, from design and production to use, service, and maintenance. Consulting company AKNINET and a small software tech firm, Addiva, will provide practical solutions. Linköping University will be the coordinator and provide scientific knowledge and solutions on a CE. Mälardalen University will contribute through their expertise in AI.
