User innovation and active ageing in the maker movement in South Africa and Germany

Abstract

This study explores the intersection of user innovation (Von Hippel, 2005 & 2016) and active ageing (WHO, 2002), investigating how older individuals (50+) contribute to household-sector innovation within makerspaces in South Africa and Germany. Through qualitative research focusing on semi-structured interviews, the study examines the activities, contributions, and motivations of older members in makerspaces towards user innovation processes. Findings confirm that older individuals actively engage in user innovation, demonstrating adaptability, problem- solving abilities, and a willingness to integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern digital fabrication techniques. Their participation is driven by diverse motivations, including personal fulfilment, economic necessity, and knowledge sharing. Using the WHO (2002) framework of active ageing as a lens, this study finds that participation in user innovation activities in makerspaces supports cognitive engagement, social inclusion, and, in some cases, economic security for older individuals. While older innovators contribute significantly to both individual and collective household innovation, barriers such as limited documentation skills and commercialisation challenges, hinder the full dissemination of their efforts. Given the increasing awareness around the significance of household-sector innovation in the economy (De Jong et al., 2021), this study underscores the potential of older innovators as a valuable yet underutilised resource in the context of ageing societies.