Championing Processes and the Emergence of Industrial Symbiosis: Case of Yandex Data Center in Finland

Abstract

We combine championing and industrial symbiosis perspectives with an ultimate goal to uncover the underlying mechanisms of industrial symbiosis. To study this emergent topic, we conduct single in-depth case study of industrial symbiosis between Russian company, Yandex, and local district heating provider in Mäntsälä, Finland. Growing concerns about the environment and rising demand for IT services add to this research practical importance. That is the fact because there is lack of research on how data center creators could decrease an environmental footprint through collaboration with other organizations such as municipalities, NGO, and other commercial firms. We rely on existing (yet sparse) theoretical understanding of industrial symbiosis and championing processes and conduct semi-structured and in-depth interviews of championing of industrial symbiosis on both organizational and individual levels. Overall 15 interviews were conducted with representatives of 5 organizations.