The Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity has granted access to new perspectives, cooperation and knowledge for 15 years. This unique academic chair was established by Utrecht University and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in honour of Prince Claus (1926-2002). The anniversary of the Chair was celebrated in the Noordeinde Palace in The Hague in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Máxima and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix.
The Centre for Frugal Innovation in Africa (CFIA) has worked closely together with the Chairholder of 2015-2017. Prof. Saradindu Bhaduri focused his time as Chairholder on Frugal Innovation for the Small and the Marginal. This perspective on frugal innovation is not getting the attention it deserves. Instead of focusing on the large multinational companies, prof. Bhaduri sheds light on innovation by and for the poor. Because of his time as Chairholder, he has been able to bring the topic forward in debates inside and outside of the academic community.
Despite the fact that his term as Chairholder has ended, prof. Bhaduri and CFIA will continue to work together. Connecting the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus strategic alliance to Jawaharlal Nehru University, which is prof. Bhaduri's home institute, and investigating local knowledge and grassroots innovation.
Do you want to know more? Find prof. Bhaduri's inaugural address here. More information about the work of prof. Bhaduri and CFIA can be found here.