This research derives from the recognition of an ethical conflict for the design discipline as a result of being in the middle of two visions: The Sustainable vision and the vision of the Free Market Economy Model. This conflict has generated a deeply reflection on the practice of design, wich allowed rethink its meaning as a discipline
Among the solutions generated in the extension of the scope of design, there are the Product-Service Systems (PSS) solutions. The basic idea behind the concept is that it is an innovation strategy, which shifts the business focus from the design and sales of physical products to the design and sales of a service system.
The PSS solutions have been implemented mainly in European countries since the decade 2000. With the aim of transferring their benefits to the national economy and generate a contribution to overcome implementation barriers in emerging countries, this research seeks to answer the question regarding the critical factors in the implementation of PSS in the Colombian business context.
The methodological approach used was qualitative, selecting the case study method (four cases) with an explanatory approach.
Study cases, consisted of designing a business model under the concept of the PSS: (Sustainable Mobility, Package Assessment; Energetic Efficiency and Assessment of reels). In each case was following the Study case methodology proposed by Yin R. K (2014) with the following stages: Study Case Design, Preparing Study Case, Data Collection, Analysis and Conclusions. Proposal guiding the study cases was: There are contextual factors that inhibit or enhance the development process of business models under the concept of Product-Service System
The main results are:
The theoretical analysis identified and synthesized 43 Critical Factors for the implementation of PSS. 12 factors were selected and validated in the Colombian context
Identification of new context factors: Calling Capability, shared value between organizations, Complementary Business, Multidisciplinary participation, Management commitment.
Conclusions:
The relationship between the success of PSS solutions development and the percentage of presence of Critical Factors acting as Potentiators was clearly established: the higher the presence of these factors, the greater the probability of success of a PSS. The absence of any Critical Factor becomes an inhibitor of PSS development
Critical implementation factors for emerging countries identified by the UNEP are confirmed: availability of knowledge, lack of tools and design methods, poor entrepreneurship skills, lack of experience in service process and a weak legal framework of support.
Five Critical Factors offer a promising level of success in the development of PSS solutions: Culture of Innovation, Knowledge Level of Environmental Economics, Design Capabilities and Trust, Public Policy. Given the low level of development of these factors , they should be considered in the planning stage of a PSS.
The circular economy in emerging economies it is presented as a solution to develop the Factor E-8 Management and Technology Capacities, where the knowledge of Technology of closed production cycles, it is required.
In the context studied the importance and necessity if Design discipline was valited.
5d Design for sustainability (Eco-Design, C2C, product service systems)
