Investigation into the Social, Institutional and cultural dynamics which influence and shape the diffusion of Product Service Systems

The project research sustainable innovation, in particular the adoption and diffusion of Product Service Systems (PSS) in consumer markets. PSS are systems of products, services, network of actors and supporting infrastructure designed to be more environmentally sound than traditional business models. PSS involve the use of products without acquiring ownership of them. Examples of PSS in consumer markets include car clubs such as Zip Car, where drivers rent cars by the hour, and Uber, when drivers share their car for a fee. In spite of their claimed resource efficiency, PSS have not as yet been fully implemented, and there is scant knowledge of why PSS are failing to diffuse in consumer markets. This project aims at addressing this gap.