DesignMod

RDI research area: Smart Design

Project code: A81600

Language: Finnish, Swedish

Project description

The role of circular economy, minimizing environmental impacts, and new technologies is central to promoting sustainable development and shaping future business models. Companies face increasing pressure to transition to sustainable production, where resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized. Rapid technological development creates new opportunities for industry but also requires innovative testing and prototyping methods to ensure solutions meet the demands of the circular economy.

The European Union’s new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) sets strict requirements for product recyclability, repairability, and reusability. The directive forces companies to innovate their products, production processes, and business approaches. This requires significant investments, particularly from SMEs, which often have limited resources and technological capacity. Developing new sustainable solutions also demands investments in skills and expertise to meet these requirements effectively.

At the same time, growing consumer awareness of sustainability issues creates new opportunities for companies. Consumers increasingly value local, unique, and sustainable products, giving a competitive advantage to businesses that can respond to these demands.

Goals

The project aims to develop a comprehensive solution that combines circular economy principles, modular production, and business model innovation. This enables companies to transition toward more sustainable and resource-efficient production, where products are easier to repair, upgrade, and recycle.

Within the DesignMod project, a modular production environment will be developed to address circular economy challenges and related business needs. At the core of the project is the development of new business models that support sustainable principles. Circular economy requires replacing traditional “buy-and-dispose” models with approaches emphasizing resource reuse, product lifecycle management, and service-based concepts such as product leasing, upgrading, and maintenance as part of a service offering.

Results

The project will provide SMEs with concrete tools and solutions to facilitate their transition to a circular economy and sustainable business practices. Key outcomes—such as the modular production environment, new business model development, innovative products, and networking opportunities—will enhance company competitiveness and help meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products and services.

The project will develop three co-creation support networks: a circular-economy-based product development and innovation model, a modular production environment, and a network combining the expertise of universities of applied sciences. These co-creation models will strengthen business competitiveness in circular economy, innovation, and modular production. Additionally, the resources of regional universities of applied sciences will complement each other, forming a resource-efficient network that supports and encourages local businesses.

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