Frugal Engineering: Challenging Performance-Improving Paradigms in the Context of Automotive Material Development

In view of increasing socio-economic and ecological challenges, Timo Achtelik sheds a critical light on the ongoing incremental optimization of existing innovations, which can lead to a state of ＂over-engineering＂. As part of a multi-year action research project in the context of automotive materials development, it is investigated whether and how reduction-oriented innovation approaches such as ＂frugal engineering＂ can have an entrepreneurial impact. The findings demonstrate how frugality can be successfully integrated into existing development processes to create more sustainable and efficient innovations. This presents a crucial opportunity for companies to maintain and strengthen their competitiveness in the global market.

Timo Achtelik is Sustainability and Innovation Manager in Materials Engineering at an international automobile manufacturer.