RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 

The goal of this dissertation is to analyze if, how, and why elderly become user innovators and whether there are significant differences compared to younger innovators, which have already been comprehensively studied. The thesis aims to analyze which knowledge and experience is used by elderly user innovators and which motivating factors influence the process. Finally, it will be researched how the innovations themselves might be different.   From the findings, implications shall be derived to support companies who want to involve elderly user innovators and their ideas in the new product development. The research also aims to derive insights on the question how to measure age. Chronological age is just a mere number, but a lot more factors – like health, autonomy, lifestyle – must be considered to understand individuals in the Silver Market.

For more information on this working package, please download the poster.

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