A maturity model for sustainability in product development

Incorporating business strategies and supporting long-term view for companies is a challenge. In order to help companies to move towards a sustainable business agenda, this article proposes a model to evaluate maturity in terms of sustainability in product development from the perspective of eco-efficiency and eco-effectiveness. The model was developed using the Design Research method. An initial conceptual model was developed based on a literature study. This interactive process resulted in 42 items, a maturity scale, which affords to distinguish the options in the scale. Both were developed, validated by specialists from different countries, and pre-tested. The maturity model was constructed over the categories strategic orientation, design, development process, socio-environmental aspects, and business results. The model includes a questionnaire and a maturity scale that support the application and interpretation of the data collection survey. Additionally, a conceptual maturity and sustainability matrix is presented to facilitate differentiating results among the proposed categories. It supports determining how mature manufacturing organizations are and helps them address sustainability efforts and actions in product development, as part of their organizational strategy.