Codesigning Tools for Assessing Sustainability in SMEs and Public Organizations: Negotiating a Social Setting for a Codesign Study

Abstract

The research method in this case study is based on design science. The case study describes how a research process that aims to design a novel digital tool suitable for both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public organizations progresses as a codesign research process where researchers, business support experts, public organization experts, and entrepreneurs or employees in SMEs each play active roles. In the first phase, data collection is conducted through rapid ethnography. In later phases, it is complemented by other forms of data collection. This case study demonstrates why the coproduction of knowledge is a vital part of the research process. In addition, this case study examines how design science–based research develops a practical framework and a tool for microenterprises and SMEs and evaluates new tools and why this is important. Readers of this case study will learn how the social setting for data collection and opportunities for participation in the creation process can be more widely implemented.