Integrated product development, the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

Abstract

The development of society as a whole and the ability of industry to compete are highly dependent on our capability to innovate, design and develop new and better products. In Sweden, different research initiatives have been taken to meet these challenges. The largest during the last 5 years is the national ENDREA programme (www.endrea.sunet.se) finishing in 2003.The ENDREA program, founded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF), followed by the ProViking Research School, aims to develop leading competence in product realisation. The Department of Machine Design at KTH, the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, performs research and education in product development. Our core scientific profile, designed to meet the requirements from society and industry, is best described as research concerning processes and technology for efficient design of complex physical products. Product development is a strategic area of competence which needs a strong position in both education and research.The activities at the department treat, from a broad and multidisciplinary perspective, the design and development of modern products in which mechanical components are important for the overall product functionality. Our research and education is characterised by substantial industrial cooperation and several national and international collaborations, securing both industrial and scientific relevance. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2005.