Supply chain systems

This work package studies the interaction dynamics between sustainability transitions, technological development and raw material criticality. Methods to assess raw material criticality will be developed within the work package, based on techno-economic approaches used for technological assessments and material flowanalysis.

The aim is to understand how criticality for different resources can develop in the future depending on how technologies are developed and commercialised and how strategies can be developed to reduce criticality in the longer term.

The research makes use of explorative scenarios to study the interactions of how demand and supply can develop because of different technological trajectories.

We will critically explore solutions such as: how emerging technologies can impact critical raw material demand and when in time can these become available. For example, recycled material is a future supply source, but its potential is currently limited since demand outstrips products reaching their end-of-life.

Participating researchers

• André Månberger, Lund University, work package and programme leader

• Lars J Nilsson, Lund University

• Oscar Gustafsson

• Björn Nykvist, Stockholm Environment Institute