Health technology can become more sustainable through the circular economy
At Tampere University, new ways to make health technology more environmentally friendly have been researched. In her doctoral dissertation, Master of Science in Technology Fatemeh Abedi has examined how circular economy business models can be applied to healthcare devices and services.
In a circular economy, the goal is to reduce waste and use materials as efficiently as possible. In health technology, this is challenging because the devices must be extremely safe and hygienic. Abedi's research shows that sustainable value creation requires companies to implement product-specific solutions that take the industry's strict regulations into account.
The research emphasizes that traditional business models do not always fit the circular economy. Instead, companies should develop new ways in which the life cycle of devices is longer and their parts can be reused. This could mean, for example, increasing maintenance and upgrade services for devices.
In Finland, health technology is a significant export sector, so the research results have great importance for the future of the industry. New operating methods can help Finnish companies act more environmentally responsibly while maintaining their high level of quality.
Ultimately, the transition to a circular economy requires cooperation between different actors. Abedi's work provides companies with concrete tools that allow them to combine technological development with sustainability goals.