Title: New academic research topics to further ecodesign implementation: an overview

Authors: Casper Boks

Addresses: Department of Product Design, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Kolbjorn Hejes vei 2b, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract: Whenever Ecodesign is topic of discussion among (electronics) industry partners, the focus is strongly determined by regulatory issues, often related to end-of-life management of products. Academic institutes do not actively participate (anymore) in these discussions; their role should be to foresee (social, economical, environmental) developments and their future impacts to society, including industry. However, dissatisfaction is often expressed regarding lack of momentum in industrial operationalisation of ecodesign. This paper provides a personal view of the author to point out what academic research is and/or should be undertaken among academic scholars to gain momentum again, and for future adoption by industry.

Keywords: green value chain management; sustainable product design; ecodesign implementation; state-of-the-art; design research; product development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2008.020402

International Journal of Product Development, 2008 Vol.6 No.3/4, pp.420 - 430

Published online: 21 Sep 2008 *

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