Characteristics of sustainability-oriented innovation activities in a shared semiconductor infrastructure : insights on the European, regional and organisational level

Abstract

Semiconductor device fabs are cost intensive and consume large quantities of energy, water and raw materials, as well as generate waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Shareduse semiconductor infrastructure is a sustainable and cost-efficient option for small- and medium-sized companies in particular. Such shared infrastructures are often provided by research and technology organisations (RTOs) or universities.

The focus of this thesis is on sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) activities in an RTO-driven shared-use semiconductor infrastructure that can also be studied as a provider-driven living lab. The SOI topic is analysed on three levels: the European level, regional level – i.e. the company ecosystem round and in the shared infrastructure – and the organizational level of the shared infrastructure provider and users. In this setting, this thesis studies characteristics of SOI to determine the focus of SOI activities, the value creation and capture of SOI activities, and the impact on various horizons of the SOI activities within the shared semiconductor infrastructure.

The characteristics of SOI activities have not been previously explored within this type of semiconductor environment in a multi-disciplinary context. The academic discussion about SOI focuses on the integration of economic, environmental and social aspects into the innovation process and management practices. Only a limited number of publications address case studies or incorporate sustainability aspects into industry specific scenarios.

The research methods are qualitative multiple case studies and design science research between 2023 and 2025. This research identifies the SOI activities within the shared semiconductor infrastructure and its users, defines the value creation and capture pathways, and maps the impact pathways of the SOI activities on various horizons.

This research provides avenues for further research of SOI activities in varying industry-specific contexts, of dynamics in shared infrastructures, and for studying SOIs as well as their impact in a variety of industries and geographies.