2024

Xin Yan; Ojanen Ville; Wang Meichun

This study investigates the knowledge management practices in the end-of-life phase of the product-service systems through both a review of the recent literature and an empirical interview study with four recycling and waste management firms in Finland. The focus, in particular, is on the types and sources of knowledge used, the practice of knowledge sharing, and the impact of digitalization. It was found that companies at the end-of-life phase conduct effective knowledge management practices within and between their organizations. The information loop between stakeholders at the end-of-life phase and stakeholders at the beginning-of-life and middle-of-life phases, however, is inadequate due to certain constraints and conditions. The findings suggest neutral agreements be made between recycling companies and waste management companies to promote knowledge exchange. Closer collaboration should be executed between companies and scientific research institutes to support each other's operations.