Assessing the feasibility of a search fund in the natural stone industry in Portugal: the importance of the industrial design in stone industry

Abstract

This collaborative thesis examines the feasibility of a Search Fund (SF) in Portugal's ornamental stone (OS) industry. It starts with an individual literature review of (i). industry 4.0's challenges, opportunities, and companies' progress; (ii). the Industrial Design as a leveraging factor; (iii). the OS technology evolution and its inherent possibilities; and (iv). the SF concept and what metrics to use. Group research validated the possible use of a SF and 25 companies were short-listed. An investment memorandum is crafted to attract funding, while a detailed business model outlines modernization and growth strategies. This research offers a roadmap for investors and entrepreneurs to revitalize the OS industry