Strategic styles of hardware product development could accelerate commercialization in cleantech startups
Hardware-based startups risk having longer times-to-market, deterring investment in the clean technologies that are critical to a sustainable future. We interviewed 55 leaders at hardware startups, 20 of which are cleantech, mapped their development timelines, and found prototyping to be the longest development step (median of 19 weeks per prototype) regardless of prototype complexity or iteration. Qualitative interview analysis reveals the prototyping team’s choice of development style is a major factor affecting timeline. We define two development styles: natural and structured, typified by free-form exploration and rule-based execution, respectively. On average, natural development takes 35% less time than structured, and is thus preferred for early iterations, but adopting structure at strategic points is needed for timely commercialization. Critical points of transition to a structured style include adding new team members or engaging external partners, which demand clear communication and expectations. When pivoting to a new product or market, returning to a natural style is beneficial.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- EE0007535
- OSTI ID:
- 2326103
- Journal Information:
- PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, Journal Name: PLOS Sustainability and Transformation Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 3; ISSN 2767-3197
- Publisher:
- Public Library of Science (PLoS)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Innovative Pathways: Transforming Impact Investments to Working Capital For Early Stage Cleantech Companies: Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020)
NREL Quickens its Tech Transfer Efforts