Master's thesis: From regulation to green sourcing

Background The thesis is part of the Vinnova SusTeq project: https://www.vinnova.se/en/p/susteq-sustainable-circularsupply-of-technology-to-the-automotive . The automotive industry is rapidly electrifying and heavily dependent on semiconductors and electronic control units (ECUs). At the same time, EU policies aimed at climate neutrality and resource efficiency, are driving the need for traceability, circularity, and crisis preparedness in complex, multi‑tier supply networks. Consequently, automotive electronics purchasing is increasingly affected by sustainability, due-diligence and product-compliance requirements. For OEMs and their suppliers, these requirements influence supplier selection, data collection, material compliance, product development and customer reporting. The challenge is not only understanding individual regulations, but translating a rapidly changing global regulatory landscape into concrete purchasing practices and supplier requirements. Purpose The aim of the thesis is to identify the regulatory requirements with the greatest relevance to electronics sourcing and explain how they affect purchasing activities, decision criteria, supplier engagement and cross-functional information flows. The thesis will develop practical recommendations for integrating regulatory demands into green sourcing. Core question: How do sustainability regulations change purchasing decisions, supplier requirements and information flows for greener sourcing of automotive electronics? Main Tasks The thesis will combine a structured desk study of regulations and research literature with semistructured interviews and cross-company comparison. The study will focus on regulations and frameworks that are especially relevant to automotive electronics, including CSRD/ESRS, CSDDD, ESPR and Digital Product Passport readiness, ELV and Battery Regulations, PFAS restrictions, REACH and other global chemical regulations, forced-labour rules, conflict-mineral requirements, EUDR and CBAM. The precise scope will be narrowed with participating SusTeq companies. The student(s) will work independently while communicating closely with SusTeq partners. Map and prioritize relevant EU and selected global regulations for automotive electronics. Translate regulatory requirements into purchasing implications, such as supplier screening, declarations, traceability, material data, carbon information, redesign or substitution needs. Examine how purchasing interacts with sustainability, engineering, quality and material compliance functions. Interview procurement and sustainability specialists across selected SusTeq partner companies to validate the findings and identify gaps. Benchmark with other firms on best practices in response to regulations. Develop a practical framework or roadmap for regulation-informed green sourcing of electronics. Expected results Expected outputs are a prioritized regulatory map, an analysis of impacts on purchasing processes and decisions, and actionable recommendations for companies sourcing semiconductors, components and ECUs. Qualifications: This thesis project is open to students from a wide range of academic disciplines. You may be studying engineering, industrial engineering and management, business, economics, law, sustainability, or a related field. What matters most is your interest in topics such as purchasing and supply chain management, sustainability, automotive electronics, and regulatory compliance . We are looking for curious and motivated students who enjoy analyzing complex topics, reviewing documentation, and engaging with industry stakeholders through interviews. A structured way of working and strong communication skills are important for success in the project. Conditions: The scope of the thesis is master thesis level and it is performed during spring 2027. 10 000 SEK will be granted as lump sum compensation for the cost the students have for performing the thesis at RISE. Workplace will be on-site in Mölndal or Stockholm, or hybrid RISE supervisors are Martin Kurdve and Emanuel Glans. Welcome with your application! Send your application, CV, and transcript of records (LADOK) before 6th of December 2026. If you have any questions, reach out to supervisors: Emanuel Glans ( emanuel.glans@ri.se ) or Martin Kurdve ( martin.kurdve@ri.se ).