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Academic research on solid waste in Sweden 1994-2003
1Luleå University of Technology, Division of Landfill Science and Technology, S-971 87 Luleå, Sweden. al@sb.luth.se
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|August 30, 2005
Summary
Academic waste research in Sweden is limited, with low interaction between universities and industry. However, waste research quantity and scope are gradually increasing over time.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management Studies
- Academic Research Trends
Background:
- Academic waste research in Sweden was assessed for the period 1994-2004.
- A survey focused on postgraduate theses from major Swedish universities to understand research development.
- The study aimed to identify trends in waste research issues, volume, and academic distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of waste research development in Swedish academic institutions.
- To identify trends in the scope, volume, and disciplinary distribution of waste research over a decade.
- To assess the interaction between academic research and industrial research and development (R&D) in waste management.
Main Methods:
- A desk survey was conducted in spring 2004.
- Data were collected from the homepages and search engines of nine major Swedish university libraries as of May 13, 2004.
- All postgraduate theses from the specified period were reviewed, identifying 90 theses.
Main Results:
- Academic waste research volume is notably smaller than industrial R&D, indicating limited academia-industry interaction.
- Waste research is progressively establishing itself within academic settings, showing growth in quantity and diversity.
- Drivers for waste research include environmental protection legislation and increasing industry interest from a production efficiency standpoint.
Conclusions:
- Swedish academic waste research is nascent and requires enhanced industry collaboration.
- There is a discernible upward trend in the volume and diversification of waste research within academia.
- Both regulatory pressures and industrial production interests are shaping the direction of academic waste research.
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