Short answer

Adopt a user-centered eco-design approach and utilize frameworks like BECE to develop and implement circular economy business models in service-oriented technology companies.

Field: Sustainability
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production (2017)
Method: Case study application of a framework
Evidence: Moderate effect

The Backcasting and Eco-design for the Circular Economy (BECE) framework can guide service-oriented technology companies in developing and implementing circular economy business models. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Journal of Cleaner Production. Using Case study application of a framework, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a user-centered eco-design approach and utilize frameworks like BECE to develop and implement circular economy business models in service-oriented technology companies.

Study

SustainabilityHigh ImpactModerate effect

Circular Economy Framework for Service-Oriented Tech Firms

The Backcasting and Eco-design for the Circular Economy (BECE) framework can guide service-oriented technology companies in developing and implementing circular economy business models.

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2017

Key Findings

01The BECE framework is adaptable for service-oriented organizations to explore and implement circular economy opportunities.
02ICT firms can identify and prioritize sustainable business model innovations through a user-centered eco-design approach.
03Micro and small organizations can contribute significantly to circular economy deployment with macro-level support to overcome barriers.

Application

Design takeaway

Adopt a user-centered eco-design approach and utilize frameworks like BECE to develop and implement circular economy business models in service-oriented technology companies.

How to apply

Use the BECE framework or a similar structured approach to analyze your service offering for circularity opportunities, focusing on user needs and environmental impact.

Project actions

01When researching circular economy, consider how services, not just products, can be made more sustainable.
02Explore frameworks that help structure the process of designing for circularity.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can service-oriented technology companies effectively build and implement circular economy business models using a user-centered eco-design approach?

MethodCase study application of a framework

ProcedureThe BECE framework was adapted and applied to an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm to identify, evaluate, and prioritize sustainable business model innovations for a circular economy. Two promising innovations were then explored strategically.

ContextService-oriented technology companies (specifically ICT)

Variables

IVApplication of the BECE framework and user-centered eco-design principles.

DVIdentification, evaluation, and prioritization of circular economy business model innovations.

CVCompany priorities (customer satisfaction, profitability), organizational size (micro/small vs. larger).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a practical framework (BECE) for implementing circular economy in services.
+Focuses on a user-centered approach, which is often key to service design success.

Limitations

The findings are based on a single case study within the ICT sector, which may limit their generalizability to other service industries.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is strengthened by the application of a pre-existing framework (BECE) and its adaptation to a new context. Reliability could be enhanced through replication in multiple organizations.

Think critically

To what extent can the BECE framework be generalized to non-technology-based service industries, and what adaptations might be necessary?

Design Principles

"Integrate circular economy principles into service design through user-centered eco-design strategies."

This research provides a practical framework for service-oriented technology companies to transition towards circular economy principles. By focusing on user-centered eco-design, businesses can identify and prioritize sustainable innovations that align with customer satisfaction and profitability goals.

What This Means for Your Design

This study shows that a specific method (BECE) can help tech companies that offer services (like software or IT support) to become more environmentally friendly by designing their services in a circular way, focusing on what users need and how to reduce waste.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the application of circular economy principles to service design or when evaluating the sustainability of business models in technology sectors.

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Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the potential for service-oriented technology companies to implement circular economy business models, as demonstrated by the successful application of the Backcasting and Eco-design for the Circular Economy (BECE) framework. The study emphasizes a user-centered eco-design approach to identify and prioritize sustainable innovations, suggesting that even micro and small organizations can play a vital role with appropriate support.

Source

Journal of Cleaner Production

Developing and implementing circular economy business models in service-oriented technology companies

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about circular economy framework for service-oriented tech firms?: Adopt a user-centered eco-design approach and utilize frameworks like BECE to develop and implement circular economy business models in service-oriented technology companies. Evidence: Journal of Cleaner Production (2017).
Why does "Circular Economy Framework for Service-Oriented Tech Firms" matter for design?: This research provides a practical framework for service-oriented technology companies to transition towards circular economy principles. By focusing on user-centered eco-design, businesses can identify and prioritize sustainable innovations that align with customer satisfaction and profitability goals.
How can designers apply this research?: Adopt a user-centered eco-design approach and utilize frameworks like BECE to develop and implement circular economy business models in service-oriented technology companies.
What were the main findings?: The BECE framework is adaptable for service-oriented organizations to explore and implement circular economy opportunities.. ICT firms can identify and prioritize sustainable business model innovations through a user-centered eco-design approach.. Micro and small organizations can contribute significantly to circular economy deployment with macro-level support to overcome barriers.
What research method was used?: Case study application of a framework.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Journal of Cleaner Production.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Use the BECE framework or a similar structured approach to analyze your service offering for circularity opportunities, focusing on user needs and environmental impact.
What are the limitations?: The study was conducted within a single ICT firm, and findings may need verification across other service-oriented organizations.