A study of sustainabiliy-oriented innovative solutions for carbon emissions in Aker Solutions value chain

Abstract

The rapid and forecasted warming of the global average temperature to 1.5 ºC poses a challenge for the ability of the current and future generations to meet their own needs. This is largely due to industrialization that has impacted a global environmental footprint. The environmental footprint is driven by the synergies of high energy intensity, high energy consumption and high econometrics for gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, the aim and purpose of the thesis is to corroborate the sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) model through a case study for innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the Aker Solutions value chain. The thesis explores the theoretically the concept of sustainability, innovation and sustainability- oriented innovation (SOI). Furthermore, the thesis abductively adopts the sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) model through a qualitative thematic analysis of the innovative activities of the SOI model for strategy, innovation process, learning, linkages and organizational design with a focus on reducing carbon emissions in the Aker Solutions value chain. The main scope of the study is based on the concept of sustainability as a driver for innovation through the sustainability-oriented innovation framework by Adams et al (2016). The overall objective of the thesis is to map the Aker Solutions innovative activities in the sustainability-oriented innovation model’s pillars that are operational optimization, systems building and organizational transformation for building a low carbon business portfolio in the value chain. The findings for the mapping of the SOI model in Aker Solutions shows a strong focus on operational optimization and organizational transformation through carbon capture and storage, and offshore floating wind. Furthermore, the findings did not show any innovative activities on systems building of the SOI model in the firm.