| dc.description.abstract | This study aims to investigate how collaboration can be used as a tool for targeting sustainability issues in the Norwegian waste industry. The industry has become increasingly aware of the opportunities that joint effort offers, and it is now being adopted more extensively than before. The actual effects of collaboration in this context are yet to be researched, leaving the potential of these opportunities unknown.
To contribute to this deficient field of research, this study is based on a qualitative case study with an exploratory approach. Data collection occurred through semi-structured interviews with a wide sample of informants from the waste industry value chain. These methodological choices ensured extensive insight into the current state and the future prospects of collaboration for sustainability.
The findings of this research can be categorized into three main areas. First, key opportunities for improving sustainability within the value chain were identified. These include producer responsibility, optimization of transport, increased sorting, and reduced consumption. Secondly, various drivers and barriers to initiating and establishing sustainable collaborations were uncovered. The main drivers include the potential for knowledge sharing, innovation stimulation, cost and resource reduction, and enhanced competitiveness. On the other hand, the identified barriers include finding suitable collaborative partners and the lack of financial incentives for sustainable action. Finally, the research highlighted several essential factors for successful collaborations, including trust, communication, transparency, openness, and value creation for all involved parties. By focusing on these three areas, this study provided a broad understanding of how to establish and succeed with sustainable collaborations in the Norwegian waste industry.
Overall, this study aims to address the research gap by investigating collaboration as a viable strategy for addressing sustainability issues. It concludes that current regulations and financial incentives hinder the development of profitable and sustainable solutions. However, working together fosters complementarity, resulting in more effective solutions. To achieve this, an extensive overview of the industry is necessary. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights for managers in the Norwegian waste industry, offering a comprehensive summary of sustainable collaboration's various aspects. | |
