In the COVID-19 scenario, we need to develop new approaches to innovation. Slow Design Driven Innovation provides one avenue for creativity and innovation to join the action to fight climate emergency, to promote concepts of sustainability and sustainable consumption. Our globalised models of production and distribution, coupled with a culture of overconsumption has led to a system that is not sustainable. This system has been responsible for climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resource degradation, ethical issues, poverty, excess waste generation, inefficient energy use, and increased the vulnerability of many developing communities in which these globalised products are manufactured. Measures must be taken to reduce these polluting and unethical practices that negatively impact on environment and society, and to work towards sustainable production and consumption.
Slow design driven innovation is a potential solution to this problem. Slow design aims at reducing the exploitation of natural and human resources, celebrating their value, and increasing the lifespans of products based on quality and local traditions, in addition to outlining a model of alternative responsible consumption which confronts the current paradigm of "more and cheaper is better".
The event involves presentation from academics (University of Leicester’s School of Business), Leicester-based businesses (Fullalove Clothing), the introduction to a toolkit, and the launch of a digital exhibition of artists interpreting these issues.
As part of the experience, at registration attendees will also have an opportunity to sign up to participate in an interactive ‘game’ . signed up participants will be teamed up with another participant, each day, toreceive a slow innovation and sustainability related question to discuss together for 15 min via wazzup, chat or phone, their preference. We will discuss the experiences and answers at the event.
Please note: Taking part in the ‘game’ is voluntary and will not affect the participation in the event.
The event is for SMEs with ambition to adopt a sustainable approach to product development and innovation.
SMEs will find this event interesting and useful as a means to pick up new insights and knowledge on sustainable practices and tools and how they might introduce them into their business innovation/commercialisation models.
Attendees will gain knowledge on slow innovation and toolkit for engaging in social media. nnAlso, will identify and link with key academics in the University of Leicester’s School of Business.
The agenda for the online event is:
- 15:00: Arrival and Welcome
- 15:10-15:20: Welcome and ‘Slow Innovation Game’ discussion - the Steve Brown
- 15:20-15:50: Environmental problems and the effects of Covid-19 - Mark Williams
- 15:50-16:20: Business Models and the toolkit - Will Green and Marta Gasparin
- 16:20-16:40: FullaLove Clothing strategy a local Leicester company – Millie Fullalove
- 16:40-16:50: The LLEP Economic Recovery strategy - Martin Quinn
- 16:50-17:00: Discussion - Dr Steve Conway
- 17:00-17:30: Networking
Speakers:
- Professor Will Green, University of Leicester
- Professor Mark Williams, University of Leicester
- Prof Steve Brown, NTU
- Dr Marta Gasparin, University of Leicester
- Dr Martin Quinn, University of Leicester
- Dr Steve Conway, University of Leicester
- Millie Fullalove, Fullalove Clothing