Promise of inclusive innovation: A Re-look into the opportunities at the grassroots

Abstract

A tectonic shift in the paradigm of innovation is being witnessed lately at the Bottom of the Pyramid. Although previous studies have been empirical; the approach, processes, practices of innovation have received limited attention at the grassroots. Thus, inclusive innovation comes into the discussion, which is bridging the knowledge gap between innovators, organizations, and the communities at grassroots. The objective of this study is to explore the dynamics and interplay of inclusive innovation under which innovative practice translates to inclusive development using a multi-case design approach. The qualitative study involves primary data from field interviews, and secondary data from documents, online sources, which were analysed following the grounded theory approach. The research findings present five strategic themes which play a significant role in stimulating inclusive innovation: establishing a sense of ownership and responsibility, intensive innovation practices, transformative social learning, maximizing impacts at the grassroots, and capturing psychological aspects. The seminal contribution of this study emphasizes on the central role that organizations must undertake in promoting indigenous knowledge, empathizing with communities, capacity building, and bridging knowledge asymmetry, as prescribed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations.