Towards inclusivity through a theoretical and empirical approach Inclusive innovation framework and an Adiviasis' case of study

Abstract

This thesis seeks to contribute to knowledge within the area of inclusion; nevertheless it has focused on the inclusivity towards the area of development and the area of innovation. Undoubtedly, even inside these areas, the range of research possibilities is very wide; therefore, it has been decided to focus the thesis on inclusive innovation and inclusive development. Inclusive innovation is developed within a theoretical framework analysis that examines the definition of inclusive innovation as such. Systematic review methodology has been used to identify relevant literature for subsequent theoretical analysis. Within this analysis we have evaluated four categories of study: central elements, typology of studies, geographic coverage, and finally, the conclusion threads within the literature. It has also been identified which authors refer to inclusive innovation as homonymous with other similar currents or concepts. Once the systematic review in the four categories of research has been concluded, certain actions have been suggested in relation to the subsequent work for researchers within this field, since it has been explained the definition still requires some consolidation to establish its patterns of action and work in a medium term. On the other hand, inclusive development is taking center stage in international organizations. In this case, the inclusive development analysis has been based on a real ex-post case study with which I worked in India. This empirical analysis focuses on an evaluation of one of the projects that a nongovernmental organization conducts to evaluate an additional subsistence option for one of the most underprivileged groups in India and the world. The evaluation of the project, whose objective is greater inclusive development for this type of population, was carried out in different ways: the project as such, its economic and social impact, and the demographic reality of the population was also analyzed. Firstly, for the evaluation of the project as such were used: a comparative yield, an analysis of the production process was executed, and the creation of profit/loss scenarios identifying improvements that the organization can implement in different areas. For the economic evaluation, the economic impact per household was estimated in both parts of the process: collection and production process, segmentation by Panchayat involved in the production process was also achieved. In addition, the scope of the impact on the social part involved working with women who are part of the self-help groups in the populations involved with the collection, thus worked with the focus group methodology of discussions, due to them, the perceptions of women in relation to the project, to their lives, and the improvements within were identified. Meetings were also complemented with the husbands to identify the level of support they provide their women with the project. Additionally, it has been possible to create a demographic base in three demographic indicators: age and marital status; fertility rate, and literacy rate. These results were contrasted with a relevant literary reference to confirm what progress could have been made. The evaluation of inclusive development as such is quite broad and constitutes an exemplification for researchers desiring to work in situ with similar populations in this field. The thesis aims to be able to deepen the inclusion contributing to it from both fields: theoretical and empirical, thus articulating different tools and methodologies that are applied to be able to contribute to the knowledge of this area.