Master thesis - Innovation & new business

Req ID:503601 

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, more than 80 000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

About Us

We are part of Alstom’s Innovation Department, exploring disruptive solutions to ensure sustainable and resilient rail systems. Our mission is to anticipate future challenges and design innovative strategies that combine technology, business models, and customer value.

Thesis Topic

The thesis will address the impact of climate change on rail infrastructure in Sweden, focusing on track degradation due to extreme weather conditions. The student will:

1. Analyze the economic impact of climate-related track damage on rail operations.
2. Identify barriers to commercializing solutions and services that protect rail infrastructure.
3. Explore the challenges of shifting from hardware sales to digital services (e.g., predictive maintenance, monitoring platforms) as a recurring business model.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a literature review and collect data on climate impacts on rail infrastructure.
• Quantify economic consequences (maintenance costs, delays, service disruptions).
• Investigate market dynamics and customer expectations for protective solutions.
• Analyze business model innovation: transitioning from one-time equipment sales to subscription-based digital services.
• Propose strategic recommendations and validate them through interviews or case studies.
• Document findings and prepare the final thesis report.
• Present progress and results to the innovation team.

Profile

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Industrial Engineering, Business & Technology, Transport Economics, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Interest in climate resilience, transportation economics, and digital transformation.
• Fluent in Swedish and English (mandatory for interviews and local data collection).
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in an innovation-oriented environment.

What We Offer

• Access to industry experts and real-world data.
• Mentorship from Alstom’s innovation team.
• Opportunity to influence strategic decisions on future business models.

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Important to note

As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 63  countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.