Short answer
Integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles into the design of Digital Product Passports to create transparent, collaborative, and sustainable supply chains.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Journal of Knowledge Management (2026)
- Method
- Mixed-methods approach combining online surveys with statistical analyses (k-means cluster analysis, principal component analysis, logistic regression).
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can be leveraged as a socio-technical infrastructure to integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles, thereby fostering circularity and collaborative ecosystems within industries like fashion and cosmetics. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in Journal of Knowledge Management. Using Mixed-methods approach combining online surveys with statistical analyses (k-means cluster analysis, principal component analysis, logistic regression)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles into the design of Digital Product Passports to create transparent, collaborative, and sustainable supply chains.
Digital Product Passports Drive Sustainable Innovation by Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency
Digital Product Passports (DPPs) can be leveraged as a socio-technical infrastructure to integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles, thereby fostering circularity and collaborative ecosystems within industries like fashion and cosmetics.
Journal of Knowledge Management · 2026
Key Findings
- 01DPPs contribute to the circularity of raw materials.
- 02DPPs enhance supply chain resilience.
- 03DPPs facilitate the dissemination of shared knowledge.
- 04Two consumer segments identified: 'aware' (sustainability and digital innovation focused) and 'unaware' (tangible benefits focused).
- 05Successful DPP implementation requires alignment with organizational readiness and consumer engagement.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles into the design of Digital Product Passports to create transparent, collaborative, and sustainable supply chains.
How to apply
When designing products or systems intended for circularity, consider implementing a digital passport that clearly communicates material origins, environmental impact, and end-of-life options to all stakeholders.
Project actions
- 01Consider how a digital passport could enhance the sustainability of a product you are designing.
- 02Research existing examples of product traceability systems and their impact on consumer trust and brand loyalty.
- 03Think about the different types of information that would be valuable to include in a product passport for various stakeholders (consumers, manufacturers, recyclers).
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a contemporary and relevant issue in sustainable design and business.
- +Employs a robust mixed-methods approach for comprehensive analysis.
- +Identifies distinct consumer segments, offering practical insights for targeted design and marketing.
Limitations
The complexity of implementing a full digital product passport system may be beyond the scope of a typical design project. Data privacy and security concerns associated with digital passports are also important considerations.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by its mixed-methods approach and statistical analyses. Validity is enhanced by exploring interrelationships between DPP functionalities, sustainability practices, and consumer profiles, providing a nuanced understanding of adoption drivers.
Think critically
How can the principles of Digital Product Passports be applied to products or systems where the supply chain is highly fragmented or informal?
Design Principles
"Information transparency across the product lifecycle is a catalyst for sustainable innovation and collaborative ecosystems."
By increasing transparency and traceability, DPPs empower both producers and consumers, shifting sustainability from a mere compliance burden to a strategic advantage. This approach can unlock new avenues for product lifecycle management and responsible consumption.
What This Means for Your Design
Digital product passports, like digital labels for products, can help make supply chains more transparent and sustainable by sharing information about materials and processes, encouraging collaboration, and informing consumers.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the role of information systems in promoting circular economy principles.
- 2.Use the findings on consumer segmentation to justify design choices aimed at different user groups.
- 3.Incorporate the concept of DPPs as a framework for managing product lifecycle information in your design process.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the strategic value of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) as a socio-technical infrastructure that integrates knowledge management and open innovation principles to foster sustainable and collaborative ecosystems. By enhancing transparency and traceability within supply chains, DPPs can drive circularity and empower both producers and consumers, transforming sustainability from a compliance issue into a competitive advantage.
Source
Journal of Knowledge Management
Integrating knowledge management and digital product passports to foster sustainable and collaborative ecosystems
journal · 2026
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about digital product passports drive sustainable innovation by enhancing supply chain transparency?
- Integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles into the design of Digital Product Passports to create transparent, collaborative, and sustainable supply chains. Evidence: Journal of Knowledge Management (2026).
- Why does "Digital Product Passports Drive Sustainable Innovation by Enhancing Supply Chain Transparency" matter for design?
- By increasing transparency and traceability, DPPs empower both producers and consumers, shifting sustainability from a mere compliance burden to a strategic advantage. This approach can unlock new avenues for product lifecycle management and responsible consumption.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate knowledge management and open innovation principles into the design of Digital Product Passports to create transparent, collaborative, and sustainable supply chains.
- What were the main findings?
- DPPs contribute to the circularity of raw materials.. DPPs enhance supply chain resilience.. DPPs facilitate the dissemination of shared knowledge.. Two consumer segments identified: 'aware' (sustainability and digital innovation focused) and 'unaware' (tangible benefits focused).
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods approach combining online surveys with statistical analyses (k-means cluster analysis, principal component analysis, logistic regression)..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from Journal of Knowledge Management.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing products or systems intended for circularity, consider implementing a digital passport that clearly communicates material origins, environmental impact, and end-of-life options to all stakeholders.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is focused on specific industries (fashion and cosmetics) and a particular geographical region (Italy), which may limit generalizability. The effectiveness of DPPs can also be influenced by varying regulatory landscapes and technological adoption rates.