SCEME - Scenario for Material Efficiency
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Mälardalens högskola - Akademin för innovation, design och teknik, Eskilstuna |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 420 000 |
| Project duration | November 2012 - August 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The objective of the pilot study sceme was to prepare a full-scale project to develop the methodology for analyzing trends and to describe future needs and obstacles and enabling factors influencing the establishment of radically more material efficient products and manufacturing. During the project it has become clear that simple tools for visualization and categorization of trends is needed. Companies exhibiting relatively large immaturity concerning trend intelligence and foresight skills. An sketch outline was introduced to reinforce a future-oriented conversation.
Expected long term effects
- A literature-based overview of material efficiency and the use of foresight and trend spotting methodology regarding this. - An initial survey of small manufacturing business practice regarding trend spotting and material focused foresights. - Proposed in-depth study of trend spotting skills in industry. - Increased knowledge among students about both the field of materials efficiency of different methods and models for foresight. - Two articles under development. - Related research projects and participating companies have taken note of the results.
Approach and implementation
The project has had two parallel processes, one of which has been made at the university involving undergraduate and postgraduate students / researchers and the other process has been implemented in collaboration with companies in the manufacturing industry. The academic process has involved studies of literature and an extensive scanning to identify trends. Methods and models have been tested by students and early sketches on trend maps have been produced. The participation of companies has been done through interviews and tests of simple platform for discussions on the future.