Technology, knowledge and markets: connecting the dots—electric rickshaw in India as a case study

Nisha Chandran,Samir Kumar Brahmachari

doi:10.1186/s40669-015-0003-5

Abstract

Innovation is a process of integrated thinking. The interactions between technology, market and the need for technology remain unconnected. Connecting these unconnected dots leads to a market disruption, paving the way for an economically viable innovation. India has various national-level programmes that foster innovation environments for the creation of economic empowerment. This paper looks at one such innovation: the soleckshaw: solar electric rickshaw. The emergence of these electric rickshaws came from enhancing the design of already existing cycle rickshaws to create better rickshaws, which are socially acceptable as they reduce human drudgery and are environment friendly, leaving a low-carbon footprint. The case being highlighted here, that existing knowledge connected with existing technology to address a need, leads to new consumers and new markets and eventually causing a technology-led policy intervention. The paper also looks at the role non-exclusive licencing plays in the absorption and dissemination of an innovation.

Highlights

The existence of technology, knowledge, market and need does not necessarily translate into an innovation
Technological innovations can be in the form of low quality and low cost, and entering into a market where already a superior technology exists, this creates an environment for disruptive innovation to take place (Yu and Hang 2010)
Commercialisation strategy: creation of new electric rickshaw market and policy amendment The soleckshaw technology was an important juncture in the public transport domain in India, as it allowed for the creation of a new market base of manufacturers

Summary

Introduction

The existence of technology, knowledge, market and need does not necessarily translate into an innovation. Innovation is the outcome of integrated thinking. For an innovation to occur, one must be able to connect the existing unconnected dots of technology, market and social need. One of the most talked about ways to achieve higher growth has been through disruptive innovation (Christensen 1997). Technological innovations can be in the form of low quality and low cost, and entering into a market where already a superior technology exists, this creates an environment for disruptive innovation to take place (Yu and Hang 2010). Targeting the lower group of the economic pyramid becomes crucial for social innovation as well as economic development. The capacity to innovate at this level leads to creation of an intermediary domain of social entrepreneurs. With the Chandran and Brahmachari Journal of Frugal Innovation (2015) 1:3

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Conclusion