... that focuses on the central role of users in exaptive innovation - an innovation process in which existing technologies or artifacts are creatively repurposed for completely new, unintended applications. Examples of such breakthroughs include the use of aviation technology for medical purposes or the development of drugs like Viagra. This project aims to explore the dynamics by which users, e.g. health professionals or enthusiasts in other industries, adapt existing tools and technologies to meet new needs, thus gaining valuable insights into the innovation process. The research will focus primarily on the medical device industry, where exaptive innovations are particularly common. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, the aim is to contribute to an understanding of the conditions and processes that enable users to drive such innovations.
