In her doctoral research, Fatemeh Abedi, MSc (Tech.), investigated the development of circular business models (CBMs) for health technology products and services. As the use of health technologies expands, so do material consumption and waste generation. The dissertation examines how life cycle assessment, circular economy design strategies, and product traceability can inform the development of CBMs across three product categories: durable systems and devices, wearable medical and health devices, and diagnostic medical devices. The study developed a “CBM Design Template” that integrates the circular economy design strategies of cycling, extending, and intensifying with four business model value dimensions. It also identified four general CBM archetypes: prolonging product life, return and material circularity, device-as-a-service platforms, and sustainable materials and energy-efficient digital access. The findings show that effective CBM development depends on the specific characteristics, use conditions, and requirements of different health technology products.
Accordingly, the template and archetypes provide managers with a structured basis for selecting and prioritising circular economy design strategies and corresponding business model value dimensions. They can also support healthcare organisations and policymakers in advancing circularity while maintaining patient safety, product performance, and regulatory compliance. In this way, product-specific CBMs have the potential to generate environmental, economic, and social benefits across the three pillars of sustainability.
The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech.) Fatemeh Abedi in the field of industrial engineering and management, titled “Development of Circular Business Models for Health Technology Products and Services”, will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Management and Business at Tampere University on Friday 16 October 2026. The Opponent will be Professor Jukka Majava from the University of Oulu, Finland, and the Custos will be Associate Professor Ulla A. Saari from Tampere University.
