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Knowledge Base Repository

In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.

Bridging academia and industry: the role of consultants in implementing sustainable product development tools

Schulte, Jesko (1); I. Hallstedt, Sophie (1,2); S. Watz, Matilda (1)

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Schulte, Jesko (1); I. Hallstedt, Sophie (1,2); S. Watz, Matilda (1)
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden; 2: Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Page(s):
817-826
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10440
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
Academic tools for sustainable product development often fail to achieve widespread use in industry. Based on a case study of a consultancy firm, this study explores factors that enable consultants to adopt and adapt such tools and act as intermediaries that translate and integrate academic findings into practice. Interviews and a survey revealed that a solid conceptual foundation, clear client value, result visualization, adaptability, and integration with existing workflows are most important, and the study proposes nine lessons learned to guide future tool development and collaboration.
Keywords:
case study, industry-academia collaboration, intermediaries, knowledge transfer, sustainable design
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
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