Uncovering ecodesign dilemmas : A path to business model innovation

Summary, in English

The aim of this article is to explore how ecodesign dilemmas contribute to a firm's ecodesign evolution. The article achieves this through empirical research into a process of ecodesign decision-making in a single firm. The study spans a timeframe of nine years. The article describes how recognising and dealing with ecodesign dilemmas fuels cycles of learning, leading the firm towards business model innovation. The study classifies a unique set of ecodesign dilemmas: hierarchies; tensions; contradictions; and oversights. Through this classification, we show how firms need to adopt a unified approach combining operational (ecodesign principles approach), tactical (ecodesign management processes) and strategic actions (business model innovation), to systematically manage ecodesign dilemmas. To support this, the article presents a framework describing key actions for operational, tactical and strategic ecodesign decision-making and the types of ecodesign dilemmas typical to each approach. Through this study, we show that the business model is critical to inform effective ecodesign decision-making and illustrate how design can drive firms towards sustainable change, from the bottom up.

• Author: Sharon M. Prendeville; Frank O'Connor; Nancy M.P. Bocken; Conny Bakker
• Department/s: Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Design Engineering (M.Sc.Eng.)
• Publishing year: 2017-02-01
• Language: English
• Pages: 1327-1339
• Publication/Series: Journal of Cleaner Production
• Volume: 143
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.11.095
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Topic: Economics and Business
• Keywords: Business model innovation; Dilemmas; Ecodesign; Ecodesign maturity; Trade-offs
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 0959-6526