Universities’ intermediary role in the “design for sustainability” field

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the intermediary role of universities in spreading design for sustainability into industry. Design/methodology/approach Three case studies were undertaken on Delft University of Technology, Design for Sustainability Program from The Netherlands; a center on sustainable consumption and production; and Prof. Göksel Demirer from Middle East Technical University, Environmental Engineering Department from Turkey. Findings The process and evolution of the intermediary roles of the cases are explained. Three types of structures, through which universities undertake intermediary role, are investigated via the cases studies, a program, a center and an individual scientist. Originality/value This study is a first attempt to investigate the intermediary role of universities in the design for sustainability field.