Frugal innovation is not slashing ruthlessly but pruning lovingly

This week, I gave one of my most inspiring and rewarding talks in years.

Two days ago, I discussed with civil servants in Belgium how they can apply frugal innovation principles to deliver better public services with less.

This was part of an Inspiration Session organized by NIDO, the innovation lab of the Belgian federal government.

Using inspiring examples of frugal innovation pioneered by governments worldwide, I showed how Belgium civil servants can create greater social impact by consciously “valorizing” (making the most of) all existing physical and intellectual resources.

I concluded by stating:

“Rather than mindlessly cut all public services like Elon Musk is doing in the US, European governments can wisely apply frugal innovation to deliver better public services by wasting less.”

Frugal innovation is not about slashing ruthlessly but pruning lovingly like a caring gardener.

Graphic: ChatGPT