Can vertical farms outgrow their cost? - An analysis of the competitive strength of vertical

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dc.contributor.authorDahlberg, Adam
dc.contributor.authorLindén, Adam
dc.contributor.departmentChalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisationsv
dc.contributor.departmentChalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economicsen
dc.date.accessioned2019-07-05T11:53:40Z
dc.date.available2019-07-05T11:53:40Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractGlobalisation and urbanisation are creating sustainability challenges in the global food system that require new methods for food production. Over 80 % of fruits and greens consumed in Sweden are imported, accompanied with climate damaging side effects like excess packaging, transportation, storing and cooling. With the introduction of vertical farming (VF), urban agriculture is undergoing a transition towards drastically higher crop yields and increased quality control in order to deliver more sustainable, resilient and safe food production. VF could become a viable alternative to imported greens in Sweden, benefitting both local producers and consumers. The thesis aims to explore the financial, logistical and environmental prerequisites for successfully implementing VF in Sweden, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural industry. A literature review of business models, industry analysis, sustainability and customer acceptance are used to create a theoretical framework. Data about vertical farming actors is gathered through interviews using a qualitative research method, and two field studies were conducted in Tokyo, Japan. The interview data was analysed with the help of the theories and tools presented in the theoretical framework. Several environmental and social benefits, concerning both the producer and other stakeholders, were identified and point towards more sustainable agricultural practises. Overcoming the economic challenges requires technological improvements to create entry barriers and mitigate bargaining power, development in automatization, and reaching economies of scale. The competitive edge over conventional farming methods comes from the ability to produce crops of consistent quality and quantity year-round in close connection to the consumers. The study indicates that Sweden is a promising country with the right prerequisites to adopt vertical farming. The effect of implementing vertical farming will be a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practises while enabling a consistent production of high-quality crops in urban environments.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12380/256972
dc.language.isoeng
dc.relation.ispartofseriesMaster thesis. E - Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden : E2019:076
dc.setspec.uppsokTechnology
dc.subjectTransport
dc.subjectGrundläggande vetenskaper
dc.subjectHållbar utveckling
dc.subjectInnovation och entreprenörskap (nyttiggörande)
dc.subjectÖvrig industriell teknik och ekonomi
dc.subjectTransport
dc.subjectBasic Sciences
dc.subjectSustainable Development
dc.subjectInnovation & Entrepreneurship
dc.subjectOther industrial engineering and economics
dc.titleCan vertical farms outgrow their cost? - An analysis of the competitive strength of vertical
dc.type.degreeExamensarbete för masterexamensv
dc.type.degreeMaster Thesisen
dc.type.uppsokH
local.programmeManagement and economics of innovation (MPMEI), MSc
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