Sustainable Innovation: Four key principles drive progress


Discover the four core principles that underpin sustainable innovation. 
Plant is growing in a technical field

How can we drive innovation for a more sustainable world? Are we maybe just one innovation away from success? In September 2023, a panel of international experts discussed these questions during an Unbox your Mind talk. It was the closing event of the year’s European Sustainable Development Week.


Innovating for sustainability is the major challenge of our generation. And we need to act fast – environmental issues like global warming, a deluge of waste or shrinking biodiversity are problems which grow with every passing day.


Based on the insights from international experts, we have identified four crucial principles to make sustainable innovation work on a global scale. In the video below, experts share more detailed explanations, examples and insights on these principles. 

Four principles underpin innovation for sustainability:


Principle 1: Innovation is more than just technology.


Principle 2: Sustainable product solutions need to be designed inclusively and user-focused.


Principle 3: Innovating for sustainability means breaking habits and changing culture.


Principle 4: Innovation is about collaboration.



Some practical examples from our talk illustrate how these principles apply and intersect. Success is possible if we keep these in mind and work towards making them the reality.

Circular economy: rethinking product lifecycle and design

Creating a circular economy isn't a solitary endeavor; it involves collaboration among individuals, companies, communities and beyond. Technological advancements play a pivotal role, for example in recycling methods or in developing eco-friendly materials. 
Person working on a soldering board
However, for lasting resources and products we must change our processes to make product dismantling and repair more straightforward. This concept also applies to buildings, where we must examine the lifecycles of all their components to maximize resource utilization. Tools like Eco Product Passports facilitate this approach. Importantly, circular solutions only work if people embrace them. Therefore, we must devise solutions that people want to use, involving them actively in the journey.

Energy transition: enabling widespread technology adoption

Technological innovations play a pivotal role in energy transition, covering energy storage systems, renewable energies, and bidirectional charging, which will enable a more flexible use of renewable energies. However, the success of these technologies depends on broader factors.
Hager Group Blog Sustainability Electical car loading on charging station
To encourage widespread adoption, we must provide the right incentives, establish regulations that promote usage, and make these technologies accessible and affordable for everyone. This requires collaboration between businesses, energy suppliers, communities, states, countries and whole continents. Equally crucial is fostering a collective willingness to embrace these innovations and adapt lifestyles for a successful energy transition. 

Social innovation for better health

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Togo, a public innovation process engaged the population in swift problem-solving. The #TousContreCorona Hackathon showcased the power of social innovation, overcoming challenges like limited internet access. This collaborative effort not only stabilized the health situation but also inspired confidence among the young, leading to a decline in emigration. By valuing public opinion and showcasing the country's creative approach, this initiative instilled hope for a more innovative future.
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Watch the full video to gain insights from an expert panel featuring:

 

  • Stefanie O’Gorman, Director of Sustainable Economics at Ramboll
  • Claudia Lüling, Sustainability Consultant at Werner Sobek AG
  • Jeanne Forget, Managing Director Germany (formerly: Group Vice President Corporate Strategy at Hager Group)
  • Sandra Fernholz, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability at Hype Innovation
  • Lucia Corsini, MEng, MA, Ph.D., Academic, consultant, and educator currently lecturing in Product Design Engineering at Brunel University in London and working as a consultant for the IfM Engage (University of Cambridge).