Long description

This figure shows an ‘innovation matrix’. The matrix is a graph divided into six sections (three vertical by two horizontal). The vertical axis is labelled ‘Scope for change’ and the horizontal axis is labelled ‘Degree of change’.

The top two sections are for changes/innovations that can be described as ‘System level’. The top left box is labelled ‘System adaption’ and the top right box is labelled ‘Transformative system innovation’. The middle two sections are for changes/innovations to ‘Sub systems’. The individual boxes are not labelled. The bottom two sections are for changes/innovations to individual components. The bottom left box is labelled ‘Incremental innovation’ and the bottom right box is labelled ‘Radical change’.

Changes/innovations can be placed anywhere on the matrix, potentially overlapping the matrix sections as required. The changes/innovations and their position in the matrix are as follows:

Innovation/change Box it is mostly in Approximate position within box
Sustainable city Top right (Transformative system innovation) Right of centre
Sustainable mobility Top right (Transformative system innovation) / middle right sub system On horizontal line, right of centre
Industrial symbiosis Top right (Transformative system innovation) / middle right sub system On horizontal line, left of centre
Eco-label and eco-vouchers Middle left sub system Centre
Product sharing Middle left sub system / right sub system On vertical line, left of centre
Value chain optimisation Middle left sub system / right sub system On vertical line, left and below of centre
Extended producer’s responsibility Middle right sub system Centre
Functional sales Middle right sub system Lower left, touching horizontal line
Material efficient manufacturing Bottom left (Incremental innovation) Top right, touching horizontal and vertical lines
Process improvement (e.g. EMAS) Bottom left (Incremental innovation) Left of centre
Product improvement Bottom left (Incremental innovation) Lower left
New products (goods and services) Bottom right (Radical change) Right of centre