A Model of Codesign Relationships: Definitions and Contingencies. A Review and Outlook

The original paper investigated, with a case study method, the differ- ent forms of co-design, i.e. the joint development of products and processes by customer and supplier. Four types of co-design are identi ed, according to the type of knowledge transferred (product or process) and the degree of interaction between the parties (loose or tight). Results show that the success of co-design depends on the t between the type of relationship adopted and two contextual factors: the uncertainty of the design endeavour and the relational capabilities. The commentary highlights the original contribution at the time, in terms of both theo- retical and methodological approach: the paper proposes a situational approach, showing the need to adapt the type of co-design to the context, and adopts a quali- tative method, investigating four co-design projects within the same buying com- pany. Research in this eld has been rich in the subsequent years and this paper can be seen as a precursor of the relevance of the relational environment and the eco-system concept, widely adopted today to analyse innovation and product development.