Abstract
Companies, striving towards an effective and systematic integration of a strategic sustainability perspective in product innovation, need to treat the implementation of necessary processes and tools, as well as their continuous improvement, as a project in itself. An efficient way to measure the current sustainability implementation level in the organization, as well as guidance for progression, is required. To meet this need, a novel self-assessment was developed, which provides companies with a tool to assess and visualize their current capabilities in relation to key elements for successful sustainability integration in the product innovation process. It includes a scale of different sustainability implementation levels to support building a roadmap for systematic implementation, and to measure progress over time. This research is based on results from previous descriptive work within the area of sustainable product development and learning from applying strategic and tactical assessment tools for eco-design and sustainability maturity. Besides the contribution to practice, this study also contributes to knowledge by specifying detailed aspects for each key element that must be considered to guide sustainability integration. Also, insights from applying different existing tools in real cases are provided. The newly-developed self-assessment method was applied and validated at two case companies. Independent and continuous use of it by the companies beyond this particular study indicate the practical value of the method.
Highlights
Both natural and the social systems are currently on downward spirals: pollution and encroachment are undermining nature’s capacity to provide a stable as well as beautiful environment for life on Earth [1] and social capital is eroding in many places, leading to increasing transaction costs [2]
Product development and manufacturing companies play a key role in facilitating the transition towards a sustainable society [3]
The questionnaire clearly revealed that respondents at all case companies think that increased capabilities for sustainability integration in the product innovation process are very important (7.6–9.4) for the future of the company
Summary
Both natural and the social systems are currently on downward spirals: pollution and encroachment are undermining nature’s capacity to provide a stable as well as beautiful environment for life on Earth [1] and social capital is eroding in many places, leading to increasing transaction costs [2]. Several mechanisms work as driving forces for companies to change towards a more sustainability-oriented state [4]. First and foremost, companies start to acknowledge the self-benefit of enhanced capabilities for sustainability integration through increased competitiveness [1]. Capability refers to which and how method and support systems are used, and which and how sustainability-related decisions are taken during the product innovation process. The self-benefit can manifest itself through, for example, new innovations that provide more customer value, the attraction and maintenance of top talent employees, a strong brand and business image, being ahead of legislation, more motivated and loyal employees, lower operating and credit costs, and lower vulnerability to sudden market changes [6,7]. Engaging in sustainability is a way to exploit business opportunities and avoid long-term negative consequences, which means that it is smart risk management [8]
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