Innovation for inclusive development in health sector: Mexican experiences

Abstract

Inequality and wealth distribution have been widely researched but not in the field of innovation studies. Recent trends in innovation studies have pinpointed the necessity to strengthen research programs about innovation for disfavored populations over the world. Two main orientations have been identified: (i) Innovation requires the involvement of the people affected in demand definition, as well as solving processes to become an inclusive innovation problem, (ii) Inclusive development is oriented to identify and establish solutions for problems that affect marginalized populations. In addition, we found a variety of categories to study the problem: inclusive innovation, innovation for inclusive development, innovation for social development, innovation for the population at the bottom of the pyramid, among others. This research explored Mexican innovation experiences for inclusive development in the health sector. The role of intermediate organizations becomes very relevant: universities and public research centers, nongovernmental organizations, associations and local governments are all fundamental to achieve innovation efforts and develop knowledge to solve health demands in disadvantaged populations. This article presents a variety of participants and crucial processes like learning and social capital construction as key points of innovation for inclusive development.