Centre for Technology Management

A Progress Towards Sustainable Production: Industrial and Academic Perspectives

Peter Mark Jansson, MScEng PP PE, Rowan University
Robert Phaal, PhD CEng, University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering

Abstract

Social, technological, economic, environmental and political trends and drivers will change the nature of business and industry in the future. The need to shift to more sustainable modes of production is pressing - current production methods and systems will not be able to meet the needs of a globally developing economy in the 21st century. This paper reviews the requirements for sustainable production, incorporating concepts of knowledge and technology management, within an holistic framework, and describes a wide ranging consultation exercise to assess industrial and academic perceptions, needs and activities. The findings from two separate but related research projects are summarized: 1) Work conducted for the European Commission (EC) in 1999, to investigate how knowledge and technology management can support the migration to more sustainable production systems (Phaal, et al., 1999). A set of 22 semi-structured interviews was conducted across Europe, involving companies, universities and other organizations, supported by literature reviews. The interviews generated an understanding of current thinking and practice with regard to sustainable production, and the relationships to knowledge and technology management. In addition, potential interest in collaborative research in this area was assessed, together with practical considerations that must be addressed to ensure the success of such projects. 2) Work undertaken for the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in 2000 to assess the current state of the international research community's capacity to provide support to industry in shifting to more sustainable business and production (Jansson, et al, 2000). Following on from Internet and literature reviews, an email-based survey of 255 research groups in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan was undertaken, supported by 28 semi-structured interviews. The findings of these international consultations provide significant insights into the critical success factors for achieving broader participation in sustainable production by industry throughout the industrialized and industrializing world. Knowledge and technology management have a significant role to play in terms of supporting and accelerating economic, environmental and social sustainability. However, these benefits will only be attained if companies include sustainability goals into strategy and planning processes, supported by closely aligned governmental policy and regulations. The most effective means for achieving this goal is to ensure that sustainability aims are clearly linked to financial and competitive drivers. A 'roadmap' has been developed to support understanding of the issues and challenges associated with effective migration to more sustainable production systems A critical success factor is the creation and maintenance of inter- and intra-organizational networks. These networks provide the essential means for achieving sustainable production, with respect to optimizing material, energy and knowledge flows. Other important issues include foresight, strategy, planning and change management; metrics for supporting the migration to sustainable production; re-use of materials, products, energy and knowledge; and appropriate application of information and communication technologies.