MSc Thesis Work in Sustainability Strategies and Circular Business models

At ABB, we are dedicated to addressing global challenges. Our core values: care, courage, curiosity, and collaboration - combined with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities - are key drivers in our aim to empower everyone to create sustainable solutions. That's our story. Make it your story.

This position reports to

R&D Department Lead

Your role and responsibilities

Sustainability is key to ABB’s company purpose and ABB’s sustainability strategy rests on three pillars: reducing carbon emissions, preserving resources, and promoting social progress. As a part of this strategy, business models based on circularity can play a significant role in conserving resources and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The traditional model of running a business with a linear approach based on take-make-dispose does not serve the complete purpose in achieving sustainability. Today, challenges call for a different economic model, one based on a circular approach to value creation – a circular economy. This thesis work aims to investigate and understand different sustainability strategies and circular business models that are applicable for the Motion Business of ABB. Based on a thorough analysis, the work will deep dive into one solution considering the organization requirements - either a specific strategy or a business model, and develop the strategy/design for consideration and implementation. You will be part of Energy Conversion department at ABB Corporate Research in Västerås, Sweden. At Corporate Research we lead the innovation within ABB and our task is to ensure ABB's technology competitiveness now and in the future. We work in close collaboration with other research centers, our business areas: Motion, Process Automation, Robotics & Discrete Automation and Electrification, as well academic and industrial partners. In our creative and highly skilled team we develop, design, build and test new concepts and prototypes of physical and digital powertrains consisting of electric energy source, electrical motor, electric drive, and a selected application. Details: • Period: Suggested thesis period is the spring semester 2025, or as agreed • The thesis work comprises 30 credits • Number of students: 1 - 2 • Location: On site ABB Corporate Research in Västerås, Sweden or Hybrid Your responsibilities: • Perform a detailed review of different sustainability strategies and business models that are relevant for the Motion Business Area at ABB and rank them based on the business context. • Identify one strategy or business model based on the ranking and develop the strategy and plan for implementation into the organization. • Interview different organizational stakeholders to understand existing set-up and analyze risks and challenges in implementation of the outcomes. • Compile the outcomes, document in a report and disseminate results to different stakeholders.

Qualifications for the role

• Knowledge and understanding of sustainability from a theoretical perspective and business context.
• Knowledge and understanding of business models that are relevant for sustainability in large organizations.
• Good collaboration capabilities in a research & development team.
• Strong team spirit and individual leadership to deliver expected results on time and with high quality.
• Pursuing master’s degree in industrial management, sustainability or in a related filed.
• Good understanding of sustainability from a theoretical point of view.
• Self-driven, motivated and collaborative.

More about us

For more information, please contact Recruiting Manager Magnus Backman, +46 70 5323116. Positions are filled continuously. Apply with your CV, academic transcripts and a cover letter in English via ABB career page latest by the 15th of December. We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe. #MyABBStory #Li-onsite