The interest in FGM over the last years has resulted in many achievements, but FGM components and their applications did not yet become widespread. "Traditional" FGM applications and processing techniques thus should be extended also to "materials solutions". This includes a solution of the specific problem using some cost-effective FGM design concept where one do not usually have to invent some "new" material or processing technology. This paper outlines the results of the research of joint research projects being carried out in Finland, Japan and the USA. The FGM applications are being considered from the point of their "usefulness" and some examples of industrial applications of FGM are being demonstrated. Finally, opportunities and limitations of FGM components development are discussed.