In the IT world, we’re always hearing about the latest tech advancements and IT managers are renowned for wanting the coolest toys available in their datacenters. That’s why events like the Free ICT Europe conference in Dublin are so important—they’re highlighting the circular economy revolution sweeping the IT industry. Antoine Molinari, lead strategist here at ynvolve, attended the conference this year and brought back some valuable insights.
The main message from the conference was simple: we need to buy fewer new products and use them longer. By shifting to a circular economy, we can reduce our reliance on raw materials, cut down on waste, and foster sustainable production practices. This approach also opens up opportunities for new jobs in areas like repair, maintenance, refurbishment, and recycling—essential sectors for a thriving IT industry.
A significant focus of the conference was on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the IT sector. With around 45,000 SMEs in Europe, these businesses play a crucial role in fostering innovation, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. However, they often face intense competition from global giants and struggle to attract and retain top IT talent. The skilled professionals they need are the same ones who can extend product lifecycles and promote circular economy principles.
To support SMEs, the conference made several strategic recommendations. These included eliminating restrictive practices that hinder SMEs’ ability to repair and maintain hardware and software, setting targets for public procurement from SMEs, and simplifying the process for SMEs to lodge complaints against unfair practices by larger manufacturers.
The conference didn’t stop at SMEs. It called for broader regulatory changes to promote fair competition and a circular economy within the European Economic Area (EEA). This includes adopting green public procurement policies that prioritize refurbished products, revising licensing models to prevent large tech companies from unilaterally cancelling business rights, and creating standards for software licensing, maintenance, and refurbishment.
One standout idea was transferring unsupported software or firmware to open-source platforms. This would let third parties provide ongoing support, preventing functional products from turning into e-waste just because manufacturers stop updating them. The conference stressed that working products shouldn’t be discarded prematurely.
Implementing these changes won’t be easy, especially with the major players in the ICT market wanting to keep their ecosystems tightly controlled. However, the benefits of an open, circular IT economy—from job creation and economic growth to better resource efficiency—are too significant to ignore.
Antoine was particularly interested in how these ideas could be applied to the commercial IT market. As a leader in circular IT innovation services for nearly 20 years, we at ynvolve offer a comprehensive buy-back service and provide professional expertise to extend the life of IT assets. This approach aligns us with the principles of a circular economy, ensuring that technology serves our needs sustainably and efficiently.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the potential for job creation in labor-intensive and highly skilled areas. Repair, maintenance, refurbishment, and recycling are not just about fixing things; they’re about creating sustainable practices that can support the economy. The circular economy model promises to open up new opportunities for skilled professionals, providing a much-needed boost to the job market.
Moreover, the conference highlighted the importance of regulatory support in fostering a circular economy. Recommendations included implementing green public procurement policies that prioritize refurbished products, reviewing licensing models to prevent the unilateral annulment of business rights by major tech companies, and creating standards for software licensing, maintenance, and refurbishment. These changes are crucial for creating a level playing field and promoting fair competition.
One particularly interesting recommendation was the idea of transferring unsupported software or firmware to open-source platforms. This would allow third parties to extend support and prevent these products from becoming e-waste. The conference rightly pointed out that working products shouldn’t be forcibly turned into e-waste just because a manufacturer decides it’s time for an upgrade.
Organizations like ynvolve are at the forefront of this movement. By offering expertise and equipment buy-back programs, we help companies extend the life of their IT assets and contribute to a more sustainable future. As our work shows, the principles of circular IT are not just theoretical—they’re practical, actionable strategies that can transform the IT industry.
As we move forward from the Dublin conference, it’s clear that adopting the principles of circular IT is essential. This approach ensures that technology continues to serve our needs without compromising the health of our planet. By extending the lifespan of IT products beyond the latest software updates, we can work towards a more sustainable and efficient commercial IT market.
