In a previous post, we introduced the concept of Leapfrogging for Sustainability as the ability of emerging countries to skip less-efficient and more-polluting practices to directly jump to the most advanced green technologies. With these concepts in mind, we came up with an innovative initiative in Vietnam named the Leapfrog Project.
Why Vietnam?
Today many emerging countries are among the most vulnerable countries to climate change, and Vietnam has recently being ranked the 13th country as “extreme risk” in a recent study, with dramatic effects on the people and the environment.
Furthermore, Vietnam has a big industry of textile and garments (40% of its GDP) which supplies and exports to western countries: from bamboo lamps to soft toys , and as companies and customers are more demanding for better products and cleaner supply chains, it is becoming necessary for Vietnam to lead sustainable innovation.
Finally, with a GDP growth at an average of over 7% annually during the past 10 years, and a highly educated and motivated population, Vietnam is part of the “innovation learner” countries ranked by the Global Innovation Index (GII), among the most efficient global innovators, demonstrating rising level of innovation results.
The Leapfrog Project
In 2010, we connected with one of these innovative projects funded by SWITCH-ASIA European program, called SPIN which stands for Sustainable Product INnovation. Their objective is to increase the social and environmental quality of the products made in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia by deploying eco-design methodologies and clean technologies in local businesses. Watch the video below to learn more about SPIN and examples of sustainable products they are working on:
In 2012, we asked ourselves the question whether the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform from Dassault Systèmes could accelerate the leap, for this upcoming generation of designers and engineers, to sustainable innovation practices. And that is how we build together a partnership with SPIN stakeholders called the Leapfrog Project.
A Jump ahead in Sustainable Innovation
At the beginning of the project, we provided Dassault Systèmes’ solutions to the SPIN designers and engineers, in order to help them taking the right decisions at the right time, and improving their design processes: selecting the right material, simulate while maintaining the mechanical properties and protecting the environment. We supported them with local partners and trainings, as well as specific materials that were adequate to their needs and methodologies, to bring their ideas to life.
Finally, with local companies’ capacities, and the SPIN designers supported by the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform, we designed and re-designed more than 40 different products, manufactured in Vietnam, and reduced their environmental impacts from 10 to 80% off their initial carbon footprint!
In the upcoming weeks, we will post more information, use cases and educational materials about the Leapfrog Project and sustainable innovation, so follow the frog…
IF WE leap to collaborative eco-design, we can live in a cleaner world… Take the leap with us! 🙂
Zoé BEZPALKO is an Eco-Design Specialist at Dassault Systèmes
