Post-doctoral researcher position for Centre for Frugal innovation in Africa — AcademicTransfer
Frugal innovation and development
Frugal innovation can be defined as the process of innovating under conditions of constraint, to produce solutions that are substantially more affordable than alternatives, and accessible to a broader range of people, while also meeting user needs as – or even more – effectively. Frugal innovation processes ideally make optimal and careful use of resources, avoid waste, reduce material use and increase the use of renewables. Especially when also creatively combined with 4th industrial Revolution technologies that deliver tailor-made solutions at very low marginal costs, frugal innovation is increasingly linked to debates on the circular economy and sustainable development. Another entry point is community-based frugal innovations, i.e. innovations whereby community members aim to creatively address common challenges with locally available means. These community-based frugal innovations, based on local experiential knowledge and ingenious improvisation, can enhance local agency and self-confidence and have the potential to contribute to more inclusive development and enhanced social cohesion. To what extent these innovation processes actually deliver such outcomes, is a matter of critical empirical work. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to a more evidence-based discourse on frugal innovation in various contexts and undertaken by a variety of actors with distinct motivations.
The International Institute of Social StudiesOpens external (ISS, The Hague) of Erasmus University Rotterdam invites high-quality applications for a 2-year (0.8 – 1.0 FTE) Postdoctoral position to start in May 2020. The position is located in the Centre for Frugal Innovation in Africa (CFIA), a multi-disciplinary research centre that is part of the strategic alliance between Leiden University, Delft University of Technology and the Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
Applicants must have a strong demonstrable interest in the thematic areas of innovation and technology, with experience in Africa, Asia or Latin America.
The main task of the post-doctoral researcher will be to conduct research within the framework of CFIA, leading to international quality publications, write grant applications for external research funding for CFIA, and to undertake other project tasks allocated by the academic director (as direct supervisor) and / or the CFIA manager. The aimed for time allocation between these activities is to reserve at least 30% individual research time, within the broader domain of frugal innovation.
The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS)Opens external is a leading academic centre for international development studies. While based in The Hague, the ISS is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. ISS was established in 1952 as a post-graduate institute of policy-oriented critical social science and development-oriented research. ISS offers a PhD in Development Studies, a 15,5 month MA in Development Studies, a joint MA in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP), a MPA in Governance delivered in Suriname, and post-graduate Diploma courses.
ISS brings together a highly diverse international community of scholars and students from both the global South and the global North, on average, originating from over 50 different countries. The Institute brings together people, ideas and insights in a multi-disciplinary setting which nurtures, fosters and promotes critical thinking and innovative research on fundamental social problems. The strong partnerships with organizations and individuals in developing countries make up a vibrant network where we co-create knowledge so that teaching and research remain socially relevant. Key to the ISS philosophy and practices is the wish to contribute to achieving social justice and equity on a global level.
As part of its Research Strategy, the Institute currently pursues four multidisciplinary, cross-cutting research themes: environment and climate change; conflict and peace; social protection and inequality; and migration and diversity.
Centre for Frugal Innovation in Africa
The Centre for Frugal Innovation in Africa was founded in 2013 as one of the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus (LDE) centres as part of the strategic alliance between Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Through innovative and outstanding teaching and research, CFIA seeks to contribute towards understanding and solving some of the complex issues of our time with a focus on frugal innovation. For more information on CFIA please visit the website via http://www.cfia.nl/homeOpens external