Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISIStudy on Frugal innovation and reengineering of traditional techniques
Innovation is often an exclusive activity – involving the investment of huge sums of public and private money to create high specification products and services for elite customers. Frugal innovation, on the other hand, is inclusive. It is about getting more value from far fewer resource inputs, and through creativity at every stage of the innovation process, reaching out to a customer base that might never have been reached by that product or service before. It is about getting more from less for more people. The concept is currently most often applied to practices and experiences in emerging economies where financial, material and institutional constraints have spurred new types and approaches to innovation. Yet, it may be more relevant for Europe than commonly anticipated so far.
In their “Study on frugal innovation and reengineering of traditional techniques“, therefore, Fraunhofer ISI and NESTA, together with external experts, will establish what Europe can do to better capture the potential of frugal innovative activities at various levels.
First, by establishing if and in what way frugal innovation could be a central success strategy for and on the European market.
Second, by analysing European firms' situation on emerging markets where frugal innovation remains a main driver of growth.
Third, by finding how frugal innovations can help address concerns with regard to resource efficiency, waste reduction and the preservation of cultural heritage