Frugal Innovation Research Articles

Green showcases as a model for the conceptual re-signification of smart tourist destinations applied to the Amazon

This article presents the main functionalities of an autonomous device named S.A.N.D.R.O., powered by solar energy and featuring minimalist computational technology based on the Raspberry Pi. This device was originally conceived to enable the continuity of distance education in regions devoid of connectivity, such as many riverside localities in the Amazon. It became central in equipping schools with the purpose of remotely providing educational resources in crisis situations, as occurred in the year 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources can be accessed through smartphones or kiosks, given that they fully replicate the modus operandi of the Internet, offering users a familiar experience despite the lack of actual internet connectivity. Beyond these adverse periods, one of the possible uses for the artifact is to enhance the ecotourism experience in the region, thereby contributing to transforming it into a Smart Tourist Destination. By adopting an innovative approach that reduces costs for consumers, the device can also be classified as a form of frugal innovation. This classification stems from its minimalist design and cost-effective technology, making advanced services accessible to communities and tourists in remote areas without requiring significant financial investment.

Frugal innovation approach utilizing Orange Economy in fashion via Graduation project

Frugal innovation approach utilizing Orange Economy in fashion via Graduation project

Artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and circular supply chain: Analyzing the potential indirect effect of frugal innovation in retailing firms

AbstractAcademics and practitioners are increasingly interested in the role of the circular supply chains in maximizing resource use and improving sustainable performance. However, the shift from linear to circular supply chains is still at an early stage and still needs more research. The current study seeks to test the direct effects of artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities on frugal innovation and circular supply chains in a group of retail firms operating in Jordan. The current paper also aims to test the potential indirect effect of frugal innovation. To achieve these objectives, a research framework was developed that explains hypothesized relationships between the previous constructs and was tested empirically through a sample of 212 respondents from the top administrative level in these firms. The casual and quantitative approach was employed to test the hypothetical relationships, and the partial least squares‐structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) approach was employed as a tool to analyze the data. The empirical results reported through data analysis showed acceptance of all hypothesized relationships that were hypothesized in this study, as there was a positive effect of both artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and frugal innovation on circular supply chains. In addition, the mediation was statistically significant, as frugal innovation mediated the relationship between artificial intelligence‐based dynamic capabilities and circular supply chains. This study had a set of interesting contributions at the theoretical and the managerial contributions, as this paper is the first work in the body of the literature that explores these innovative relationships. The current paper also contributed to developing recommendations that would improve sustainable performance in the retail sector by enhancing its dynamic capabilities based on artificial intelligence tools, which leads to strengthening circular supply chains.

Frugal innovation and entrepreneurial university: a case study of African first development university in Africa

The concept of frugal innovation has gained significant traction in low middle-income countries due to its potential to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study examines the role of universities in promoting frugal innovation and their capacity to drive socio-economic development through entrepreneurial initiatives. The objective is to explore how universities can serve as both entrepreneurial and development-focused institutions and to develop a conceptual framework to guide their efforts. The study utilizes an exploratory single case study methodology, focusing on the American University of Nigeria (AUN), a leading institution in Nigeria known for its development and entrepreneurship programs. Drawing on data from the AUN THE global impact ranking 2024, the results of the study indicate that the ability of a university to effectively manage technology and skills transfer in frugal innovations is influenced by six university capabilities, and the generation of frugal innovations is moderated by policy and innovation ecosystems involving government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by initiating a discussion on how development and entrepreneurship can support frugal innovation, and offers practical insights to inspire other universities to develop their own models for societal and economic impact. The study underscores the necessity of integrating “development” into the vision of universities, particularly in low middle-income and developing economies, and emphasizes the significance of universities embracing both entrepreneurial and development-focused roles. The findings highlight the potential of universities in advancing sustainable development goals, particularly in low middle-income and developing economies, as they work towards meeting the global SDGs by 2030.

Unveiling the role of frugal and digital capabilities in the financing of deep tech startups

Objective: Showcasing the Role of Digital Technologies, Frugal Innovation, and Imitability Attributes in Attracting Investments in Deep Tech Startups in an Emerging Economy. Methodology/approach: The primary data for this research were obtained from a sample of 216 deep tech startups from various sectors, located in São Paulo. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling through the Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) method. Main results: Private investors are attracted to digital technologies and the attribute of being difficult to imitate. However, although there is a positive association between the capacity for frugal innovation and the hard-to-imitate attribute, no indirect effects of this capacity on investments were identified. Theoretical/methodological contributions: Focusing on emerging economies, this study contributes to the literature that investigates which factors explain investments in deep tech startups. Moreover, it contributes to the literature linking frugal innovation and technological complexity. Relevance/originality: Deep tech startups require substantial financial resources; however, in emerging markets, there is a scarcity of investment resources. Based on the RBV (Resource-Based View), this research demonstrates which capabilities are able to arouse the interest of private investors in the context of emerging economies. Social/management contributions: For entrepreneurs, the research highlights the importance of digital technologies in attracting investments. For investors and public policy makers, the study emphasizes the association of the capacity for frugal innovation with the attribute of imitability in deep tech startups.

The role of green social behavior in frugal innovation and entrepreneurial success: The moderating impact of knowledge management

Entrepreneurial success has become a necessary element of economic survival due to the current economic conditions and uncertainty worldwide. Thus, in this research, we explore green social behavior's impact on social, technological, and business innovation in a sample of Vietnamese manufacturing firms. Results of a PLS methodology reveal that green social behavior positively impacts the three aspects of innovation. The research aims to find the mediating and moderating aspects of social, technological, and business innovation and knowledge management. The outcomes confirm that only social and business (excluding technological) innovation effectively mediate the links between green social behavior and entrepreneurial success whereas knowledge management is a significant moderator. However, knowledge management insignificantly moderates the relationship between technological innovation and entrepreneurial success. This research guides policymakers in making policies related to entrepreneurial success using green social behavior, innovation, and knowledge management.

Selective mycobacterial capture with ultraviolet-polymerized poly-dimethyldiallyl chloride functionalized surfaces

Tuberculosis (TB) is the top cause of death from a single infectious pathogen after COVID-19. Despite molecular diagnostic advances, two-thirds of the 10 million annual TB cases are still diagnosed using direct smear microscopy which has ~50% sensitivity. To increase the analytical performance of smear microscopy, we developed and characterized a novel polymer (Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride [PDADMAC]) engraftment on inexpensive polystyrene (PS) specifically functionalized for mycobacterial capture. Engraftment is achieved via UV photopolymerization of DADMAC monomer on plasma-activated PS. The platform was tested on sputum from presumptive TB cases in Kampala, Uganda (n = 50), with an increased overall sensitivity of 81.8% (27/33) vs. fluorescent smear microscopy 57% (19/33) compared to a molecular (Cepheid GeneXpert MTB/RIF) gold standard. Frugal smear diagnostic innovation that is rapid and does not require dedicated instrumentation may offer an important solution to bridge the TB diagnostic gap.Graphical

Design Thinking for Frugal Innovation: Unleashing Sustainable Business Models in Emerging Markets

Frugal innovation is a hotbed for low-cost innovative solutions that addresses the needs of underprivileged customers in emerging markets. Many of such frugal innovations are designed and developed by organizations that work at the grassroots, and, develop solutions in response to the interests of disadvantaged communities. With a central tenet of transforming an existing or undesirable state into a desired state, Design plays a significant role in meeting the unmet needs of such disadvantaged communities. Lately, Design Thinking is increasingly gaining traction as a human-centered approach to innovation that focuses on creative, innovative, and iterative development. The foundation of Design Thinking lies in a strong desire to understand more about the people for whom the products and services are developed. When combined with the principles of sustainable business models, design thinking can lead to frugal innovations that not only meet the needs of underprivileged customers but also engender long-term social, economic, and environmental implications. However, studies focusing on the interplay of design thinking and sustainable business models, to unravel the outcome of frugal innovation are scanty. The current study fills this knowledge gap by uncovering how design thinking and sustainable business models can jointly help in improving the outcomes of frugal innovation practices in emerging markets. The research methodology comprises qualitative data collection through a multi-case study strategy using a grounded theory approach. The findings result in a conceptual framework that can be utilized to assess the performance metrics of organizations practicing frugal innovation in an emerging market context. The framework suggests that the outcome of frugal innovation can be measured using various indicators such as affordability, accessibility, energy efficiency, empowerment, and a human-centric approach. By focusing on human-centered solutions and maximizing the potential of frugal innovation, the study’s contribution can potentially offer insights for organizations aiming to create a sustainable impact.

Implementing circular economy through bricolage, frugal innovation and technological turbulence

AbstractScholars, practitioners, and policymakers are considering a circular economy (CE) to optimise resource utilisation and tackle issues linked to economic and environmental growth. This research investigates the association between entrepreneurial bricolage, frugal innovation (FI), technological turbulence, and the implementation of CE in Malaysia, an emerging market. The authors tested the hypothesised relationships using legged multi‐source data and analysed them using the Smart‐PLS‐SEM technique. Data revealed that entrepreneurial bricolage is important in encouraging FI and CE. Meanwhile, the mediating role of FI amplified the link between entrepreneurial bricolage and CE. Furthermore, the moderation of technological turbulence amplified the link between entrepreneurial bricolage, FI, and CE. The findings indicate that firms employing a bricolage approach, characterised by accessing, storing, combining, and utilising readily available resources, exhibit enhanced performance during periods of technological turbulence through the implementation of CE and FI.

Surviving black swan: competitive intelligence and frugal innovation as panaceas to SME value creation during crisis

Surviving black swan: competitive intelligence and frugal innovation as panaceas to SME value creation during crisis

Resilience in tourism-based SMEs driven by initiatives and strategies through share value relational capital viewed from a resource-based theory perspective

This study aims to build a conceptual model based on the role of share value relational capital, frugal innovation and ambidexterity as an effort to link the increase in the resilience of SMEs (small medium enterprises). By using a quantitative research design, a structural study methodology was adopted in this study. Overall, data from 132 tourism SMEs was collected using a questionnaire and 568 data from respondents that can be used for further analysis. The analysis uses logistic regression with dichotomous response and predictor variables on structured tables of count data, representing firm performance as a result of capital resources, physical resources and possibly innovation. To test share value relational capital, frugal innovation and ambidextirity which is outlined in the research model and the hypotheses, the authors used the structural modelling software Analysis of Moment Structure, Structural of Equation Model (AMOS SEM) to analyse 568 usable questionnaires. The results show the acceptance of all hypotheses proposed in this study, as well as the role of share value relational capital, frugal innovation and ambidextirity variables can be a bridge to leverage the resilience of SMEs. The findings in this research area show that there are three pathway strategies for increasing resilience SMEs. Share value relational capital, frugal innovation and ambidexterity are the basis of separate contributions to increase the resilience of SMEs There are several practical implications for SMEs managers who want to increase their resilience. The originality in this research is the role of share value relational capital, frugal innovation and ambidexterity in being able to bridge the influence between digital business transformation and resilience SMEs.

Investigating the moderating role of technology turbulence and innovation capabilities in servant leadership, knowledge management and frugal innovation

Purpose This research aims to investigate the impact of servant leadership on knowledge management and its subsequent connection to cost-saving innovation. The study further explored these relationships by examining the mediating roles of innovation capabilities and technological volatility. Design/methodology/approach The research is applied in purpose and employs a descriptive-survey method for data collection. It follows a qualitative-quantitative approach, utilizing expert interviews in the qualitative phase. The sample consists of 35 managers and expert professors with knowledge management experience in universities and high-tech industries, selected through the snowball method. Data collected from Iranian organizations were analyzed using AMOS software. Findings The results revealed a positive correlation between servant leadership and knowledge management. Knowledge management demonstrated a significant positive relationship with cost-saving innovation. Additionally, technological volatility and innovation capabilities were identified as crucial factors influencing the connection between knowledge management and innovation, particularly in promoting frugality. Originality/value While this research provides a comprehensive model, it acknowledges specific limitations that warrant further investigation. The study predominantly focused on Iranian organizations, suggesting an opportunity to broaden its scope to include diverse organizational perspectives from various cultural and geographical contexts. Moreover, a promising avenue for future research involves exploring entrepreneurial orientation as a potential mediating variable. Given its significant impact on organizational dynamics, introducing entrepreneurial orientation could enhance our understanding of its effects on both knowledge management and the promotion of frugal innovation. This expansion may illuminate the intricate interplay between entrepreneurial orientation, knowledge processes and innovative practices, contributing to a more sophisticated discussion on effective organizational strategies.

Frugal surgical innovations: A step closer to improved surgical care in low- and middle-income countries

Frugal surgical innovations: A step closer to improved surgical care in low- and middle-income countries

Unveiling creativity in artisanal beer through cultural and collective intelligence: a study of market in Mexico

PurposeThe principal objective of the study is to analyze the influence of ethnicity, culture and collective intelligence in entrepreneurial creativity, innovation and marketing of artisanal beer in Mexico.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative data have been gathered by conducting four workshops with twelve respondents in each workshop across four states of Mexico comprising Mexico City, Puebla, Queretaro and Guadalajara. These workshops were held for four hours during the pre-lunch period over the weekends, which was participated by a mix of entrepreneurs and consumers.FindingsArtisanal entrepreneurship is driven by the culture, ethnicity, collective intelligence and frugal innovations. Ethnic products generate patriotic feeling and consumption for a social cause to encourage artisans at the grassroots with the local tags. Results also indicate that social media and crowd cognition play an important role in developing creative artisanal beer.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is founded on the theoretical maxims of social learning theory (SCT), social cognitive theory and theory of creativity. The contextual interpretation of SCT explains the socialization of concepts by modelling emotions and behavior to derive structural experiences as observed in artisanal entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsEntrepreneurs can develop brand emotions, boost anthropomorphic feelings and inculcate the sense of nationalism among consumers to market ethnic brands and develop social consciousness towards consumption of “Made in Mexico” products.Social implicationsArtisanal beer face major challenge of customer outreach by enhancing the brand proximity and ethnic values. Ethnic products hold a strong image in niche market and need to be stimulated by the experience sharing through social media and community interactions.Originality/valueThis research study significantly contributes to the existing literature on ethnic entrepreneurship and creativity using innovative research approach.

The triggers, motivations, experiments, diffusions, and stakeholders of frugal innovation what we Learn from Thai case studies

Frugal innovators creatively apply existing technologies to address local challenges, effectively reducing costs and optimizing performance. This approach is crucial in developing countries, providing cost-effective solutions to resource scarcity, especially for people experiencing poverty. However, research on the frugal innovation process, especially these innovators' motivations and the stakeholders' roles, remains limited. This article examines the frugal innovation process with a focus on two main aspects: (1) the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of Thai frugal innovators across the stages of idea generation, experimentation, and application, and (2) the roles played by stakeholders in these processes. Four cases of frugal innovation awarded by Ch. Karnchang Public Company are analyzed and categorized into three groups: non-commercial frugal innovation, commercialized frugal innovation as the primary income source, and commercialized frugal innovation as the supplementing income. Interviews with innovators reveal that motivations vary by commercial purposes and innovation stages. Intrinsic motivation is stronger during experimentation and application stages for non-commercial frugal innovation. In contrast, extrinsic motivation dominates in commercialized innovations. Additionally, stakeholder collaboration in fostering frugal innovation in Thailand is limited. These insights on motivations and stakeholder roles expand understanding of frugal innovation models.

Towards Frugal Innovation Capability in Emerging Markets within the Digitalization Epoch: Exploring the Role of Strategic Orientation and Organizational Ambidexterity

Towards Frugal Innovation Capability in Emerging Markets within the Digitalization Epoch: Exploring the Role of Strategic Orientation and Organizational Ambidexterity

New Product Development Process of Frugal Innovations in Healthcare

New Product Development Process of Frugal Innovations in Healthcare

Government-Led digital transformation in FinTech ecosystems

In this paper, we report on a qualitative exploratory case study of a national-level government-led digital transformation. We depart from most studies on government digital transformation that largely focus on improving existing services, bureaucratic processes, or adopting emerging digital technologies. Instead, we analyze the process of a government-led digital transformation aimed at addressing significant institutional voids within a resource-constrained context. Drawing from 60 interviews with stakeholders in the Ghanaian FinTech ecosystem, we theorize the concept of digital branching strategy as an alternative lens to envisage government-led digital transformation that considers the resource-constrained context and characteristics of governments. Our findings show that governments, especially those in resource-constrained contexts pursue digital transformation through exploring frugal innovations and leveraging established resources, structures, and relationships within an ecosystem. We subsequently develop a process model to explain the mechanisms of a national-level government-led digital transformation. Based on the findings and the model, our study offers critical insights to re-imagine government-led digital transformation in resource-constrained contexts by demonstrating how pursuing a digital branching strategy leads to planned and emergent outcomes because of the generative nature of the transformation.

Frugal Innovation and Sustainable Development in Shrimp Farming

Introduction: This study delves into the intersection of frugal innovations and the Blue Economy, exploring their pivotal role in fostering sustainable development within the shrimp farming sector in Ceará, Brazil. Method: The approach was a case study based on interviews with 14 participants in 12 companies, document analysis, and field visits. Data analysis was qualitative through content analysis with the help of NVivo14 software. Results: The study identifies ten frugal innovations characterized by features that contribute both directly and indirectly to the sustainable development of the shrimp farming sector in the specified region. Conclusion: Examined through the lens of the Blue Economy, the frugal innovations within the East Coast and Vale do Jaguaribe macro-regions in the State of Ceará establish direct and indirect connections with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

The nexus of artificial intelligence, frugal innovation and business model innovation to nurture internationalization: A survey of SME's readiness

This study uses transaction cost economics theory to explain the interplay of artificial intelligence readiness, frugal innovation, and business model innovation to achieve SMEs’ internationalization objectives. A survey is conducted among SMEs using cluster sampling to determine their readiness for artificial intelligence adoption. The results are analyzed using Smart PLS 4.1 software. The study explored the mediating role of business model innovation and artificial intelligence’s moderating role in promoting business model innovation and SMEs’ internationalization, respectively. Finally, the authors performed a necessary conditions analysis to identify the necessary conditions for SME internationalisation. The study has contextual implications for stakeholders and policymakers of an oil-rich nation.