Outdoor Product Design & Development (OPDD) Director Andrew Deceuster was invited by the Puerto Rico Outdoor Recreation Industry Association (PRORIA) to speak on the importance of the outdoor industry to the economy in Puerto Rico. Deceuster, along with other government and association representatives, shared insights on the value of outdoor product design, product sustainability and entrepreneurship.

The conference was held at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, who is looking to add an outdoor product design program to their school. Over the course of the presentation, Deceuster outlined how the OPDD program at Utah State University has helped students gain the knowledge and technical skill to develop prototypes, design sustainable products and do less harm to the environment.  

Conversations also included how the Association could collaborate to help increase the growth of more outdoor product startups in Puerto Rico. The association believes that the local outdoor economy, including a long standing textile industry, and partnering with USU could help inspire a new generation of outdoor product companies to help lift the country after recent natural disasters.

Learn more about the Puerto Rico Outdoor Association and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.

Industry collaborations made possible through the Manufacturing and Outdoor Products Support Hub, a partnership between Utah Manufacturing Extension Service and Outdoor Product Design & Development.