Ecodesign in Central America

Ecodesign in Central America

Crul, M.R.M.

Brezet, J.C. (promotor)
Röling, N.G. (promotor)

Design, Engineering and Production

2003-10-20

This PhD thesis describes and analyses the change process started by the Ecodesign project in Central America, executed between 1998 and 2002. The project started using the concept and praxis developed in Europe. Nine ecodesign projects were performed in industry, and ecodesign was introduced to counterpart organisations. With these first experiences, the concept was adapted into a regional approach for Central America. The focus in this next phase was on local leadership, learning by young professionals and national network building in Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador. The focus in the next industrial projects shifted towards service, sector and chain approaches. The PhD study is organised as multiple case study research, centering around the following research questions: How successful is the adoption of ecodesign in the participating companies, and what are the key factors influencing this? Is facilitation of ecodesign successful and is it locally owned? Is there sustained capacity in Central America to continue and expand ecodesign activities? On the basis of an operationalisation of 30 key research factors, the case studies are analysed in detail, and the research questions are answered. With the lessons learned, suggestions for strategic continuation are given.

ecodesign
central america
innovation
adoption
facilitation
capacity building

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:7a0b2916-e73a-438c-8bee-dae832df729e

DfS

90-5155-018-9

Institutional Repository

doctoral thesis

(c) 2003 M.R.M. Crul