ICFI
knowledge exchange throughout the years
Amidst today's intricate global challenges, the value of international collaboration and knowledge exchange activities is paramount.
Active participation and organisation of workshops, symposiums, and webinars serve as platforms for sharing insights, fostering dialogue, and catalyzing innovation across borders and disciplines.
By facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise,
we contribute to collective efforts aimed at addressing pressing societal issues and advancing sustainable solutions.
In an interconnected world, these knowledge exchange activities play a vital role in shaping a more collaborative and informed future.
Join us in our journey across a selection of knowledge sharing activities across the years.
Workshop on the Role of Installers in the Swedish Energy Transition
As part of the 'The Installer in the Post-industrial City' project this workshop was organise at the HSB Living Lab in Gothenburg, Sweden. In contrast to earlier waves of technology-driven living labs in Sweden, the HSB Living Lab took a human centric approach from the early start. Meanwhile, over 200 projects have been done in the lab, covering a variety of themes, including energy, water, laundry, resource management, how we live in our homes and smart homes. Dr. Erwin van Tuijl and Emiel Ruisenberg presented their insights on the case study and guided a lively debate. Different subjects regarding the role of the installer
in the energy transition were addressed. Some examples are the need for accessible and affordable training programs for installers, potentially funded by the government. The importance of lifelong learning to keep up with technological advancements, exploration of using digital tools and remote support to improve efficiency and reduce the need for on-site visits by installers and how to safeguard an affordable and inclusive energy supply during energy transitions.
Societal Enterprise Workshop Series
Our Social Entrepreneurship Workshop Series was an incredible journey for participants passionate about making a positive impact through innovative entrepreneurship. Over four engaging evenings, participants explored the dynamic world of social entrepreneurship, honing their skills and unleashing their inner innovators. Day 1: Participants crafted solutions to real-world problems, learning the art of being resourceful while innovating at the ISS Attic.
Day 2 was all about understanding future customers and generating impactful ideas, deepening empathy and creativity. Day 3: Participants delved into prototyping and financial validation, laying the groundwork for sustainable business models. The final day participants pitched their prototypes and business ideas to a jury. By empowering participants to turn their ideas into actionable plans, we fostered a spirit of innovation and social responsibility.
Prof. Dr Peter Knorringa at LUND University
Workshop on the Role of Installers in the Dutch Energy Transition
As part of the 'The Installer in the Post-industrial City' project this workshop was organised to explore various perspectives on the energy transition in existing residential buildings. Dr. Erwin van Tuijl shared his initial findings from extensive interviews, offering valuable preliminary insights on the role and challenges of installers in energy transitions. and participants shared their expertise and perspectives, enriching our collective understanding of the complex issues within urban energy transitions.
From identifying trends to exploring various scenarios, the discussions were marked by humility and a genuine spirit of collaboration. Key discussions centered around topics such as the evolving role of digital technologies, the nuances of central versus decentralized energy systems, and the broader societal aspirations for inclusive prosperity.
Frugal innovation in susainability thinking: from niche to mainstream
LUND University hosted Prof. Dr. Peter Knorringa for their CIRCLE seminar. In his presentation, "Frugal innovation in sustainability thinking: from niche to mainstream?" Peter explored a research and action agenda focused on the consumption rather than the production of frugal innovation. Departing from the legitimacy challenges facing frugal innovation, he unpacked how the Norm Life Cycle framework can serve as a tool to
overcome these obstacles, change norms and attitudes towards frugal innovation, and bring it into the mainstream of sustainability thinking. The seminar concluded with a Q&A session, where participants discussed the desirability and practicalities of mainstreaming local innovations and the intersections between the frugal innovation literature and adjacent research on degrowth, the circular economy, and social innovation.
Prof. Dr Peter Knorringa at LUND University
Enhancing Research Engagement with Communities | Workshops Event
The "How to Reach 'Hard-to-Reach' Groups" event, organized by the Erasmus initiatives in collaboration with the EUR Lustrum Committee, provided a platform for fruitful discussions and shared learnings among students, researchers, residents, and municipality workers. Dr. Erwin van Tuijl, a postdoctoral researcher spearheading the project "The Installer in the Post-Industrial City." delved with his workshop into the intricate process of identifying suitable research participants from scratch, navigating the complexities of unfamiliar
environments, and bridging potential tensions between funders and participants. Attendees gained valuable insights into fostering trust, leveraging diverse perspectives, and employing multiple networks for unbiased data collection. Through interactive discussions and shared experiences, the workshop underscored the importance of personalized engagement and cultural understanding in research endeavors aimed at marginalized communities.
Impression How Ro Reach ‘Hard to Reach’ Groups Event
Birendra Singh | Successful PhD Defence
Birendra Singh successfully defended his research exploring how farmers in the water- and food-scarce Bundelkhand region of north-central India acquired, combined and shared knowledge forms about their water requirements for navigation purposes. Singh delved into how processes of knowledge combining and sharing helped different social groups of local
farmers to continue their agricultural operations. His research and fieldwork resulted in a rich data set of life stories, everday experiences and local folklore. Along with other data collected from documents, reports and vernacular literature, his findings offer unique challenges and opportunities for future research on frugality. Congratulations!
Dr. Birendra Singh
Dr. Singh with (part of) the doctoral committee
Impression of the celebrations
LDE Global, ICFI Kenya and partners | LEARN Symposium
The first LEARN symposium took place in Nairobi, hosted by LDE and the ICFI Kenya Hub; Nuvoni Centre for Innovation Research. LEARN brought -and will continue to bring- together representatives from across academia, civil society, and government organisations. Over the three days, and through a variety of immersive activities and lively discussions, participants explored ways to broaden and strengthen mutual cooperation
based on inclusion, and interdisciplinary and co-creative approaches between. One of the key takeaways was the need to connect academic research with civil society organisations and governments. As an LDE Centre, we are proud to contribute to this transformative initiative and look forward to the positive impact LEARN will have on shaping research and translating it into action.
Impression LEARN Symposium
Impression LEARN Symposium
| Publication Handbook on Frugal Innovation and 10 years ICFI
This pioneering Handbook details the origins of the concept of frugal innovation, its emergence as an academic field of interest, and the main driving forces behind it. The book presents new empirical evidence and critical perspectives on what frugal innovation entails, from disciplines such as science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
ICFI celebrated its 10th anniversary and launch of the eagerly anticipated Handbook on Frugal Innovation, authored by 48 experts and (senior) scholars from diverse corners of the globe. This significant occasion not only underscores the relevance of frugal innovation in today's world, but also highlights its profound impact on addressing pressing global challenges.
Impression of the day: The book launch took place at the DOB-Academy in Delft after an inspiring day filled with workshops and presentations from experts and policy advisors, to celebrate ICFI's 10th anniversary.
Indian Institute of Technology | Explorative research in the Indian Sugarcane farming system
The Development Engineering Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee hosts a group of students from ICFI. The students explore the scope of frugal intervention in the Indian Sugarcane farming system. Currently, sugarcane farmers of India use traditional, age-old tools and devices. Those tools’ productivity and efficiency are rather low. Other challenges include frequent reporting of health issues like finger cut, back pain, musculoskeletal disorder, etc.
The student team is exploring frugal solutions to address the challenges in (the use of) technology faced by sugarcane farmers. The team explores a.o the use of local material, design and development of efficient manual powered tools, standardization of age-old, traditional tools, etc. Generally, the discussion on the role and importance of local technologies and knowledges as a base for frugal solutions is at the forefront.
Team picture of the student research team at GOAL3
EADI CEsA | Towards new Rhythms of Development Conference
This event brought together experts across fields to explore the factors that have culminated in a global landscape characterised by inequality, insecurity, and uncertainty and the subsequent reactions emanating from these circumstances. ICFI chaired a seed panel in which we tapped into the wider debate on digitalisation and sustainable
Erwin van Tuijl
development by providing a platform to discuss the linkages between digitalisation, frugal innovation, and development. Through the adoption of a bifocal lens, participants explored digital technologies as frugal innovations and digital technologies within frugal innovation processes. Noting that both perspectives warrant further discussion.
Cees van Beers
Maria Pineda Escobar
| Panel Discussion on Urban Transitions and Implications for the Global South
The discussion served as a hybrid forum for intellectual exchange, cross-cultural collaboration, and a testament to the boundless potential of collaborative scholarship. the need for frugal innovation as part of sustainable urban transitions cannot be overstated.
In the prestigious Mauritshuis in The Hague we co-hosted a gathering of brilliant minds from all corners of the globe. Physically and virtually joined forces, civil servants, policymakers, and academics embarked on a captivating journey - a panel discussion exploring the transformative urban transitions unfolding in the Global South.
Impression of the panel discussion
Sanghamitra Chakravarty | Successful PhD Defence
Dr. Chakravarty explored innovation driven in small and medium sized manufacturing firms in developing countries. Using empirical evidence from medical device firms in South Africa, the thesis examines the orientation of these firms, the directionality of innovation towards inclusion and the conditions shaping this directionality in the medical devices
sector. The research highlights the crucial role of the state and global non-profits in making affordable frugal innovations accessible for public health. While frugal medical devices are cost-effective, their widespread availability depends on integration into public health systems.
Dr. Sanghamitra Chakravarty
Dr. Chakravarty with the doctoral committee
Impression of the PhD defence
Afterhouse | Summer in the City & Revitalyse to Catalyse
Afterhouse and ICFI teamed up to lead eight students in a program tackling depopulation and climate change in Chieti, Italy. The initiative included workshops, exhibitions, and community engagement, empowering participants to create innovative solutions and raise awareness and boost social participation.
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Creative Minds at Work: Students ’Workshop at Afterhouse Basecamp
Revitalize to Catalyse: An Exhibition on Depopulation and Frugal Solutions
The program concluded with an exhibition at the Afterhouse basecamp. Participants presented their innovative solutions and insights on depopulation and climate change. The event was attended by local press and community. The exhibition facilitated direct engagement with stakeholders sparking meaningful dialogue for Chieti's future
Symmer in the City: An Exhibition on Cooling Chieti with Frugal Installations for Urban Heat Mitigation
ICFI Kenya and partners | Urban Research and Collaboration Programme Launch
The impact-driven programme seeks to accelerate resilient and equitable development in urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya through community-based action research and cross-sectoral collaboration. The goal is to generate knowledge on vulnerability and resilience, inclusive and frugal innovations, and formal and informal disaster risk governance mechanisms, all in the context of informal settlements.
The interactive launch included intriguing community walk-through galleries, photovoice exhibitions and a showcase of ongoing research on community resilience related to digitalization and energy. A reflective panel discussion placed resilience discourses that matter on the table and problematized the resilience building among the urban poor.
Strategy and Visualisation of the Urban Programme
Impression Urban Programme Launch
GOAL3 | Explorative research on the options for spot-check monitoring in Rwanda
What will be the future of triage, patient monitoring and healthcare digitalization in Rwanda? An enthusiastic, cross-cultural and multidisciplinary team of 6 interns from ICFI and the University of Global Health Equity, researched the options for spot-check monitoring in Rwanda. A way of monitoring vital signs of patients periodically. The team visited over 30 health clinics to interview doctors and nurses in Rwanda, to get more insight into the problems they are facing, the future plans of the clinics and they introduced
the idea of a spot-check monitor to them. The main outcome of the research is that the priority in Rwanda for only a spot-check monitor in private clinics is not yet high, but since the country wants to digitize healthcare before 2024, there is a need for a monitor in combination with a digital solution. The team recommended to be at the beginning of this digital transition, to make the link between spot-check monitoring and digital systems, like OpenMRS.
Team picture of the student research team at GOAL3
The Circular Collective | Synergy in the Ordinary
A group of young professionals and scientists showcased their design during the Dutch Design Week. The exhibition draws visitors into a visual narrative of technology and ecology uniting to combat climate change. The designs marry space tech with circular waste management, inspired by eco-village practices and space exploration
A regular toilet has been turned into a bioreactor that converts human waste into micro-algae, fertilizing natural water filters for groundwater restoration. The other transformed a household item into an eco-friendly 'living fridge,' using rainwater to produce clean drinking water and grow crops, symbolizing tech and ecology as climate allies.
Impression of the Synergy in the Ordinary Exhibition
