An investigation How 3DP Affects the Business Model in the Construction Industry

Sammanfattning: Background: 3D printing has in recent years gained increasing interest in the construction industry. Various examples of 3D printed buildings appear in the world today, including Sweden, showing less adoption of the technology despite the technical, environmental, and social benefits it offers. Research shows an absence of innovation adaptation impact on traditional construction companies which can make construction companies hesitant to implement 3D printing without knowing how it could affect the business.  Aim: The purpose of this research is therefore to understand how the introduction of 3D printing could affect the business model of traditional construction companies and to see how 3D printing could be used to achieve a more circular economy. Method: The Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework was applied to answer the research questions. This was done through a qualitative method and a cross-sectional study. Four different construction companies and one 3D printing company participated in the study. For the research, semi-structured interviews were used, which were analysed through a thematic analysis. Based on the pre-determined themes of the business model canvas, 32 sub-themes were generated.  Results: This research present a possible business model canvas aimed for Swedish construction companies using on site 3D printing technique. Some of the key findings regarding a company’s internal structure were areas directly related to the usage of an onsite 3D printer. Key findings with regard to the customer were alternative ways to view customer segment in relation to value proposition, additional channels through "Interactive online platform" and "Physical Showcasing". Furthermore, 3D printing on site brings several new direct improvements (less waste, faster construction) as well as further opportunities mainly in the design phase and material choice, toward a more circular economy.