Bridging the gap: Barriers and potential for scaling reuse practices in the Swedish ICT sector

Abstract

This paper presents two case studies of Swedish ICT ‘gap exploiter’ companies to provide a nuanced perspective in the investigation of ICT reuse business models and policies. Gap exploiters are third-party firms that create value through the re-utilization of existing products. While extending product life through the gap exploiter model is promising in the transition to a circular economy, business models and policies related to ICT reuse are under-researched in literature and existing studies are characterized by general approaches. While the generalizability of this study has limitations based on size and geographic location, this paper provides an in-depth look at how circular economy strategies can be embodied in the gap exploiter business model within the ICT sector. Main findings include barriers to business operations and opportunities to address them through business model innovation and policy intervention. The study furthers understanding of ICT reuse operations and their related business models. It also contributes to the upcoming policy debate on how to encourage and create a more resource efficient and circular economy.