Advanced solutions for sustainable development via frugal innovations.

The joint project “Innovation for a Better World – Advanced Solutions for Sustainable Development” looks into the feasibility and implementation possibilities of a new pilot funding scheme for frugal innovation in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia) by the Austrian Development Agency and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency. Together with partners such as the Impact Hub Vienna, ZSI is co-creating and facilitating the creation of the pilot, supporting the two agencies with inputs and methodological advice on key concept such as frugal innovation, sustainability and social innovation.

The project consists of a year-long series of workshops investigating and prototyping collaborations between organizations from Austria and the Western Balkans that contribute to the SDGs through projects inspired by the principles of frugal innovation.

Frugal innovations rely on a “do more with less” approach to provide high-quality, resource-light and affordable products and services in response to the specific needs of a target group. When designed effectively, frugal innovations can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing issues that are often underserved by markets and institutions, through resource-efficient solutions that are affordable and easily available to a large number of people. Gaining a deep understanding of the issue at hand is an essential and complex aspect of developing successful frugal innovations.

Team:

• Wolfgang Haider, MA BA

Section: Research Policy & Development

Partners:

• 288 Grad Consulting
• Wirtschaftskammer Österreich
• Impact Hub Vienna (Coordinator)

Tags: frugal innovation, SDGs, sustainability