Lessons Learned from Collaborative Prototype Development Between University and Enterprises

Abstract

In this article, the focus is on the KIEMI research project (“Less is More: Towards the Energy Minimum of Properties” in English) conducted in Tampere University during the period of 2019-2022. In this project, we used the earlier developed Descriptive Model of Prototyping Process (DMPP) to guide university-enterprise collaboration. The project consisted of several pilot cases, with prototypes, which were done in collaboration with companies, tackling real-world problems. In this article, we review and evaluate the suitability of the DMPP for usage in a research project. The article explores the topic from two directions: the collaboration of university and enterprises, and the reusability of artifacts within the DMPP. The paper introduces several pilot cases made on the KIEMI project, and describes the usage of the DMPP in them. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the model, sets forward the challenges faced, and, finally, discusses topics for future research.