drs. A (Albertus) Kraaij

Biography

Albert Kraaij research interest:

Albert is a PhD researcher at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), Erasmus University Rotterdam and a lecturer and The hague Ubiversity of Applied Science. His research focuses on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector navigate resource scarcity and sustainability transitions. He explores the potential of Frugal Business Model Innovation (FBMI) as a strategic and practical response to these challenges.

Albert undertakes interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, combining insights from business, sustainability science, and development studies. He prefers to work with action-oriented and participatory methods, co-developing tools and knowledge with entrepreneurs and practitioners.

Albert's research interests can be classified along three lines:

1. Frugal Innovation and Sustainability Transitions
   This line examines how resource-constrained SMEs develop frugal, locally appropriate solutions that contribute to sustainable development, especially within the Dutch agri-food sector.

2. Business Model Innovation in Low-Resource Contexts
   This line investigates how SMEs redesign their business models to cope with and benefit from constraints, with a focus on creating multiple value (economic, social, ecological) using minimal resources.

3. Design Science and Tool Development for SMEs
   This line focuses on co-creating and evaluating practical tools and interventions—such as frugal design workshops and diagnostic models—that support SMEs in implementing sustainable practices under constraint.

Expertise Related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
  Enabling inclusive innovation strategies for SMEs to remain competitive and resilient in resource-constrained environments.

• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  Developing frugal and adaptive innovation approaches tailored to the needs of underserved small firms.

• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
  Promoting business model innovations that reduce resource use while increasing value creation.

• SDG 13 – Climate Action
  Supporting SMEs in aligning their business practices with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.