S4M Sustainable Material Management Maturity Model

We strive to create a path towards a more sustainable future

Duration of the project

1.10.2024. – 31.12.2026

Source of funding

Business Finland

Total funding

6 000 000 €

In response to the pressing need for sustainable practices within the shipbuilding industry, the S4M research project emerges as a pivotal initiative aimed at comprehensively understanding the capacity of the supplier network operating within this ecosystem to align with sustainable development goals. At its core, this project operates at the network level within the business ecosystem, recognising the intricate interplay of actors and resources involved.

One of the primary motivations driving this endeavor is the escalating demand for transparency in supply network material management. To address this, the S4M project introduces a novel approach: The development of a Situational Awareness through the Network Sustainable Material Management Maturity Model (S4M). This model serves as a framework for assessing the maturity of sustainable actions across key performance areas (KPA) of business and material management within the supply network.

Unlike previous projects, the focus of the S4M project is not carbon footprint calculations of materials. Instead, it endeavors to identify and cultivate sustainable indicators derived from key performance indicators (KPI), thus fostering a more nuanced understanding of sustainable practices within the shipbuilding network processes.

The actions outlined in this research project are theoretical exercises; however, they offer road map, tangible steps towards realising ambitious goals such as the GHG Strategy and advancing the shipbuilding ecosystem towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This study aims to generate real time visual digital solution for network sustainability performance assessment and development.

This co-innovation research project stands as a collaborative effort, by a consortium of eight esteemed European Universities and six major suppliers and the shipyard based in Finland. Through collective expertise and collaboration, the S4M project endeavors to catalyse transformative change within the shipbuilding industry, forging a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future.