Collaborative product development and peer production as an innovative integrated approach to deliver sustainable marketable products: a case study

The purpose of this research is to provide empirical support for the adoption of an integrated approach, based on collaborative product development and peer production combined with 3D printing, to deliver more sustainable, cheaper but competitive marketable products. In particular, the experimental study is conducted in the context of mobile forensics, an emerging market where few expensive incumbents’ products are present and alternatives solutions are needed. The technical viability and economic feasibility of the prototype developed in this research validate the proposed integrated approach, which could be a game changer in the mobile forensics as well as in other sectors, offering start-upping opportunities and promoting an innovative and sustainable methodology to develop and deliver marketable products, towards the paradigm of Open Sustainable Innovation. While the device developed and tested in this research has similar features to existing products, the methodology, implementation and motivation are original.