Adding Technology Sustainability Evaluation to Product Development: A Proposed Methodology and an Assessment Model

André Souza Oliveira, Bruno Caetano dos Santos Silva, Cristiano Vasconcellos Ferreira, Renelson Ribeiro Sampaio, Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado and Rodrigo Santiago Coelho
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André Souza Oliveira: SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI Innovation Institute—Forming and Materials Joining, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 Piatã, Salvador, BA 41650-010, Brazil
Bruno Caetano dos Santos Silva: SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI Innovation Institute—Forming and Materials Joining, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 Piatã, Salvador, BA 41650-010, Brazil
Cristiano Vasconcellos Ferreira: Technological Center of Joinville, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Rua Dona Francisca, 8300, Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-600, Brazil
Renelson Ribeiro Sampaio: SENAI CIMATEC, Manufacturing and Technology Integrated Campus, University Center SENAI CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 Piatã, Salvador, BA 41650-010, Brazil
Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado: SENAI CIMATEC, Manufacturing and Technology Integrated Campus, University Center SENAI CIMATEC, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 Piatã, Salvador, BA 41650-010, Brazil
Rodrigo Santiago Coelho: SENAI CIMATEC, SENAI Innovation Institute—Forming and Materials Joining, Av. Orlando Gomes, 1845 Piatã, Salvador, BA 41650-010, Brazil

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: In the current world scenario, which is experiencing the arrival of new technologies, Industry 4.0, increased mobility and a pandemic environment, the achievement of sustainability demands proactive solutions. One of these actions includes the design of sustainable products. Several authors have studied the scientific discipline of Life Cycle Engineering (LCE), which encompasses environmental, social and economic dimensions. However, current LCE models have gaps, such as the need to incorporate a more holistic view, uncertainty and integrated analysis. In this context, the aim of this paper is to present a model to evaluate the technology sustainability (TS) dimension. The methodology of the present work involves a literature review, the development of a model with qualitative and quantitative data, and application in a case study. A structure was developed to include market, technical, and technology-scaling perspectives. The computational model uses hybrid Bayesian networks, based on probabilistic theory, and incorporates uncertainty using sustainability indicators. The model includes quantitative and qualitative variables derived from experts’ opinions. The results of applying the model to a real research project on manhole covers indicate that this analytical tool can support decision-making, allowing a new dimension to be incorporated into LCE analysis. Finally, the model allows LCE analysis to be applied in a variety of circumstances, such as strategy development or the selection of more sustainable products, as well as the evaluation of competing products.

Keywords: product-development processes; decision-making; Life Cycle Engineering (LCE); technology maturity; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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