As a society, we face numerous challenges. At Eindhoven Engine, a collaborative program between companies, knowledge institutions, social organizations and citizens in the Brainport region, work has been going on for years on innovations to address these problems. Now the program is breaking new ground. We spoke to the directors of Eindhoven Engine: Janne Brok and Maarten Steinbuch. From climate to low literacy: “We start with the social problems the region has an affinity for,” says Steinbuch.
Eindhoven Engine, a joint initiative of TU/e, Fontys and TNO, is entering a new phase. Whereas the focus used to be on technological innovations that could potentially have a positive impact on society, the innovation accelerator now focuses on tackling complex social issues. These are first given extensive insight, after which a sustainable solution is sought.
Festival of disruption
For good reason, then, did last week's event, organized in honor of this milestone, bear the name Festival of Disruption. From now on, the program will focus on four social themes: inclusive society, livable region, future proof care and sustainable semicon. Brok: “We see Eindhoven Engine as a place where you can think freely, detached from existing systems or interests. And we start with the problems to make the biggest possible impact. System thinking, which we are so good at in this region, is central to this. We're going to focus on that even more now.”
Steinbuch is also pleased with the turnaround. “Our successful start in 2018, partly made possible by the Regio Deal, gave us a flying start. Gradually we became good at asking the right questions: what problem are we tackling and why? We learned that it is necessary to think deeper about the core of problems first, in order to then arrive at solutions.” In other words, “We are ready for a 2.0 version of ourselves.”
Tackling low literacy
Around the theme of an inclusive society, the event featured a workshop focused on low literacy. About 10 percent of the population has difficulty reading and writing, which hinders them from participating in modern society. Despite the efforts of organizations in the region to provide support in various ways, the problem continues to grow.
To better understand this complex challenge, Eindhoven Engine conducted an in-depth analysis. “In the first phase, a so-called love your problem approach was applied,” Brok explains. “Instead of immediately looking for solutions - which is often a natural reflex for engineers - the underlying system aspects were deliberately considered. This means bringing together everyone involved: from the people themselves to the many organizations operating around this issue.”
The workshop did not directly target people with limited skills, but rather those with high skill levels to create awareness. Participants experienced what it is like not to understand a complicated letter.
Steinbuch adds, “Prosperity should not only be for a limited group of people, but for everyone. A vision that fits perfectly with our values and ambitions of the region.”
Climate change: technology and behavior both essential
Heleen de Coninck, professor of social-technological innovation and climate change at TU/e, was one of the keynote speakers at the event. De Coninck's presentation emphasized the importance of combining technological developments and new solutions with social change. “Ultimately, climate is a complex problem and society must transform, with behavioral change being an essential component,” Steinbuch said.
Numerous projects
In recent years, Eindhoven Engine has delivered several promising projects. Steinbuch: “We have realized a total of 26 projects. These have led to new collaborations between students, companies and the creation of promising startups.”
The AUXSTENT project is developing 3D printed, bio-soluble stents that promote tissue repair in cardiovascular diseases. The CoLLidE project is working on the market introduction of reusable and circular food packaging. In addition, Carbyon's Direct Air Capture 2.0 project is focused on capturing CO2 from the air.
Over the next few years, stakeholders within Eindhoven Engine will continue to work steadily on projects, using the new vision as a starting point. Brok concludes, “There are many social problems that we need to address now; We at Eindhoven Engine avoid staring into the headlights like a scared rabbit.”
This article was first published om 6 December by TU/e.
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