Learning From Each Other: Lessons From Innovation for Inclusive Development Literature

Abstract

There exists concern that the traditional innovation approaches (although not the sole driver) can contribute to the vicious cycle of inequality and exclusion. The past decades have witnessed responses to develop more equitable outcomes through innovation. Innovation for inclusive development (I4ID) has been hailed as a promising approach where one may establish growth paths to help ensure that the marginalized actors are included in economic development. This has led researchers and practitioners to explore alternative models for innovation, such as frugal innovation, Jugaad innovation, grassroots innovation, social innovation, appropriate innovation, base-of-the-pyramid innovation, inclusive innovation, or I4ID. This editorial selectively reflects on some of these concepts. I leave the reader with suggestions for orienting your innovation ecosystems to be more inclusive and participating in a grand societal experiment of learning how to develop more inclusively.