Eric von Hippel - Free User Innovation

Eric von Hippel  - Free User Innovation | The Innovation Show In this new series on The Innovation Show, we dive into the groundbreaking work of Eric von Hippel, MIT Sloan School professor and pioneer of free innovation. We explore how users—not just producers—drive transformative innovations, and how this paradigm has been overlooked historically. With intriguing examples such as the evolution of skateboards and center pivot irrigation systems, von Hippel illustrates the power of user-driven innovation. We also discuss the role of platforms like Wazoku and companies like Haier in harnessing the potential of free innovator communities. Eric shares his insights on how companies can leverage these external ideas and improve their own innovation processes. Don't miss this fascinating conversation on the untapped potential within each of us to innovate and create impactful solutions. 00:00 Introduction and Wazoku Acknowledgment 00:38 Meet Eric von Hippel 02:08 The Concept of Free Innovation 02:32 Historical Context and User Innovation 04:20 Examples of User Innovation 11:19 Crowdsourcing and Open Platforms 16:44 Challenges and Opportunities in Innovation 33:56 Altruism and Diffusion in Innovation 37:31 Open vs. Free Innovation 39:54 Conclusion and Resources   Find Wazoku https://www.wazoku.com   Find Eric von Hippel's resources including this book “Free Innovation” https://evhippel.mit.edu/books/