Database of indigenous/grassroots design : The Honeybee Network

The Honey Bee Network is a global network that focuses on grassroots innovation and traditional knowledge. Established by Anil K. Gupta, an Indian scholar, the network aims to identify, document, and promote indigenous innovations and traditional knowledge systems from various communities around the world.

In the context of design, the Honey Bee Network plays a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating local innovations that often emerge from the grassroots level. It acknowledges that profound and creative solutions to problems can come from ordinary people in diverse communities. The network acts as a platform to share and disseminate these innovations, ensuring that they receive the attention and recognition they deserve.

One key aspect of the Honey Bee Network is its emphasis on frugal innovation and sustainable design. Frugal innovation involves creating effective solutions with limited resources, often in resource-constrained environments. By highlighting such innovations, the network promotes the idea that resourcefulness, creativity, and traditional knowledge can lead to practical and efficient designs that address real-world challenges.

In summary, the Honey Bee Network in design is a collaborative effort to discover, celebrate, and disseminate grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge. It recognizes the value of local wisdom and encourages a global exchange of ideas that can contribute to sustainable and inclusive design practices.