Knowledge transfer and engineering methods for smart-circular product service systems

Smart Product Service Systems (Smart PSS) have the potential to contribute to a Circular Economy (CE), but in the design of these systems engineering teams often lack information and knowledge on CE strategies and processes. Against this background, the authors propose a knowledge transfer system for the design of Smart-circular PSS. The system can be used in the concept phase of the Smart PSS development process and delivers information on CE strategies via a Smart-circular PSS Lifecycle Flowchart (SCPLF) and service archetypes. These strategies can be selected, supplemented and extended according to individual user requirements. The approach was validated using an intelligent street lighting system. This paper summarizes findings from the application and provides insights into potentials and limitations for the design of Smart-circular Smart PSS.