Frugal Innovation Research Articles

“How Can More be Done With Less?”: Investigating Frugal Innovation Determinants Using Design Thinking and Interpretive Structural Modeling

“How Can More be Done With Less?”: Investigating Frugal Innovation Determinants Using Design Thinking and Interpretive Structural Modeling

Istraživanje doprinosa štedljivih inovacija u proizvodnim kompanijama - sistematski literaturni pregled

In this paper, a systematic review of the literature was carried out in order to identify the contributions of frugal innovation in the manufacturing sector. The above, with the objective of knowing these innovations, highlighting the relevance and its contribution to this sector within the global emerging markets. The PRISMA method was used to perform meta-analysis of the theoretical, scientific and practical contributions of goods and services resulting from the frugal philosophy in the emerging manufacturing sector. To achieve the objectives of this research, three indexed databases of high scientific quality and visibility were considered: Scopus, Ebscohost and Science Direct in the period 2010-2020, with a search equation defined by keywords and exclusion and inclusion criteria, in which a first search of 15079 articles was obtained. As a result of the final filtering process, 52 documents were obtained that allowed the identification of these innovations, their classification, description, frugal, social and economic contribution in the benefited communities. This paper provides relevant findings related to the contribution of future perspectives of similar studies and empirical evidence of frugal operational processes (products) that drive the competitiveness of manufacturing firms.

The influence of sustainable leadership and sustainable performance through frugal innovation in tourist villages in Indonesia

Tourism village is one of the tourist attractions that have the potential to increase development in Indonesia tourism. Tourism village have natural, cultural and historical attractions to catch tourist’s attention. The involvement of local people, government and tourism village manager in managing village resources is needed so the tourism village can be sustainable. This research aims to know how to improve the development of village tourism through frugal innovation, sustainable leadership, and sustainable performance and how they influence and relate with each other to tourism village. This research used PLS-SEM for testing hypotheses and significance between variables amd used snowball sampling as a data collection method in this research. Based on the result of data testing, the research results show there’s positive effect between sustainable leadership and sustainable performance with frugal innovation as mediation variable. Which means that frugal innovation has be a success role of sustainable leadership to achieve sustainable performance. Therefore, the manager of village tourism can plan the village tourism’s future by leading the members in creating value to the village’s resources through frugal innovation and maintaining optimal performance.

POST-PANDEMIC INNOVATION PRACTICES IN MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS IN THE STATE OF GUANAJUATO

The pandemic caused by the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has compelled many companies to prioritize innovation strategies in order to survive. Consequently, this cross-sectional empirical study employed a quantitative approach to assess the level of innovation achieved through frugal innovation practices by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the post-pandemic era in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. A survey-type questionnaire was randomly administered to a sample of 58 companies. Stepwise discriminant analysis, utilizing Wilks' Lambda method, was applied to analyze the data. The results demonstrate that, during the crisis, the most influential variables in explaining the level of innovation are the significant reduction in the price of products or services and their durability, both regarded as frugal innovation practices. Consequently, decision-makers should establish frugal ecosystems that enable cost reduction while emphasizing the functionality and performance of their products or services.

Change-Oriented Leadership and Frugal Innovations: A Moderated Mediation Model of Readiness to Change and Learning Goal Orientation

Purpose - Whether or not organizations can produce fugal innovations depends on the people involved in the innovation process. This paper aims to investigate whether leaders could influence their subordinates' change readiness by employing a leadership style called “change-oriented leadership” and what role is played by the learning goal orientation of individuals for frugal innovations. Study Design/Methodology/Approach - The researchers of this study use the temporal separation method, and data was collected in two phases at one-month intervals with a sample of 313 permanent employees working in the pharmaceutical and textile sectors. Findings - The researchers of this study found that change-oriented leaders significantly increase frugal innovations. This effect is mediated by employees' self-reported change readiness and moderated by their learning goal orientation. Our results demonstrate that leaders substantially influence the degree of change readiness for organizations to develop frugal innovations. Our study also highlights that if people have a learning goal orientation, their change readiness is not fixed but can be altered by their social environment, especially by organizational leaders. Research Limitations- Developing economies are facing the challenges of higher costs which stress that how organizations can reduce it, and the idea of frugal innovation is one of them. For that purpose, from the organizational point of view, there is a need for a learning environment that provides a platform for individual and team learning and critical thinking which may lead to better implementation of frugal innovation. Further, from the individual level perspective self-efficacy (creative, change, and occupational) may help the employees to take initiative for the achievement of organizational goals (i.e., frugal innovation). Implications-This study has implications for current theories about frugal innovations, which view people’s lack of change readiness as a significant impediment. Also, these implications have for current theories about change-oriented leadership, which we expand to the societally important realm of frugal innovations. Originality/Novelty- Our findings guide organizations and policymakers who want to enable frugal innovations to ensure the competitiveness of their organizations and the growth of economies, especially in developing countries.

Stimulating knowledge sharing behaviors for frugal innovation: the roles of inclusive leadership and competitive intensity

PurposeOwing to the growing importance of frugal innovation to the development of firms in the developing and emerging countries, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of inclusive leadership (IL) on frugal innovation through the mediating roles of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing (EK). It also explores the possible moderating role of competitive intensity (CI) in the relationship between knowledge sharing (KS) and frugal innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data via a questionnaire survey of a sample of 325 participants from 112 manufacturing and service firms to validate the relationship between inclusive leadership, knowledge sharing behaviors, competitive intensity and frugal innovation. Structural equation modeling and regression are adopted to estimate the effects of inclusive leadership on frugal innovation through the mediating role of knowledge sharing and moderating role of competitive intensity.FindingsFindings reveals the significant impacts of inclusive leadership on aspects of knowledge sharing and frugal innovation. Moreover, the influences of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing on frugal innovation capability are enhanced in the intensive competitive environments.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should investigate the potential moderating role of perceived organizational support in the relationship between specific aspects of knowledge sharing behaviors and frugal innovation.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a valuable understanding and novel approach for managers and directors of firms in developing and emerging countries to improve frugal innovation capability through inclusive leadership practices and promotion of knowledge sharing in organizations.Originality/valueThe paper is unique in its attempt to fill theoretical gaps on the relationship between inclusive leadership and frugal innovation, and advance the insights of how inclusive leadership directly and indirectly fosters frugal innovation via mediating roles of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing.

Exploring the interaction between big data analytics, frugal innovation, and competitive agility: The mediating role of organizational learning

Drawing on the dynamic capabilities theory and Big Data Analytics (BDA) literature, this study aims to develop a novel framework, exploring to what extent BDA impacts Organizational Learning (OL), Frugal Innovation (FI), and Competitive Agility (CA). This study also examines to what extent OL mediates the potential role of BDA in generating FI and CA. To conduct this empirical study, data was collected from 223 managers from pharmaceutical companies in Jordan and the data was analyzed using Smart PLS software. The results indicated that BDA significantly impacts OL, FI, and CA. The finding also indicated that OL mediates the impact of BDA on FI and CA. This study significantly contributes to the theory and growing body of knowledge on the intricate interplay among BDA, OL, FI, and CA. It offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms driving these relationships and paves the way for organizations to harness the transformative potential of BDA and OL for sustainable growth and success.

Frugal Innovations: Implementation in Regions of Poland

Purpose: The objective of the study is to assess the complexity of applying the attributes of frugal innovations in innovative enterprises located in three regions of Poland (i.e. A, B and C), as well as to compare the three regions. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study included 200 large innovative enterprises. The study listed the following number of enterprises belonging to individual regions: A – 154 entities, B – 39 entities, as well as C – 7 entities. Six hypotheses have been stated in the study. The empirical study considered quantitative methods and research techniques, i.e. the Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) survey technique, and statistical analysis of quantitative data. The basic research tools were: the CAWI survey questionnaire, PS IMAGO PRO 7.0 software and Microsoft Excel. Findings: The study indicated that: (1) in the A and B regions – both in the area of shaping relationships with customers and shaping innovative processes –moderately high values of Indicator of the Complexity of Shaping Relationships with Customers (ICSRC) and Indicator of the Complexity of Shaping Innovative Processes (ICSIP) indicators were recorded, as well as in the C region, the values are moderately low for both indicators, (2) in the A region, there is a higher level of the complexity of applying the attributes of the concept of frugal innovations with respect to shaping relationships with customers and shaping innovative processes than in the B and C regions. Implications/limitations: In Poland, there are rather favorable conditions for the implementation of the attributes of the concept of frugal innovations – this is indicated by relatively small differences between the A and B regions. Therefore, in theoretically less developed voivodeships from the so-called Polish B region, frugal innovations are implemented. The research conducted indicates that greater emphasis should be placed on spreading knowledge about frugal innovations in the C Region, which can draw on the experience and support of the A region. Originality/value: The study raises a new issue in domestic science, concerning the implementation of the attributes of the concept of frugal innovations in various regions of Poland, i.e. the A, B and C regions.

A GLOBAL AGETECH AGENDA

Abstract AgeTech is increasingly seen as a way to support and enhance the health and independence of older people. However, AgeTech research and innovation agendas overwhelmingly focus on the needs of older people in developed countries and have so far failed to recognise that population aging is a global-level trend that intersects with other “megatrends”, such as climate change, urbanisation and international migration. Drawing on an environmental scan of the current and emerging AgeTech sector, this paper argues that technology research, development and innovation needs a global agenda that engages with initiatives such as the UN’s Strategic Development Goals and Decade for Healthy Ageing. It is also important to situate AgeTech in the wider debate on global disparities. The ongoing impact of colonial legacy (afterlife colonization) continues to reduce life chances, leads to poor health, and is present in everyday relationships between people and institutions at global and local levels. This is particularly apparent in the unequal impact of climate change on people and places, but as yet, the discussion of these issues is notably absent in the narratives surrounding AgeTech. This misses significant opportunities for global reciprocity in health, co-development of useful and appropriate technologies, and more sustainable approaches to innovation (e.g opportunities for frugal innovation), The paper highlights the potential role of older people as active participants in technological change, for example for mitigating climate change and its unequal impact on the Global South

Making frugal innovations inclusive: A gendered approach

When an innovation meets the needs of customers with low purchasing power, typically located in emerging markets, it is considered a frugal innovation (FI). While frugal innovation subserves the development objectives in any country, it could also serve as a tool for enhancing the lives of marginalized sections of any region. Prior research has been sparse in understanding the role of FIs in inclusive development. The current study attempts to explore whether the frugal innovation process has the potential to enhance the empowerment and well-being of marginalized women. It uses the framework proposed by Vossenberg (2018) to examine the contributions of FIs to the empowerment and well-being of women and the role of institutions in mitigating gender inequality. Interviews of 25 marginalized women were conducted in various rural parts of India, which is one of the largest emerging economies and is considered the hotbed of frugal innovations. Using this primary data, we tested the Vossenberg model and have proposed a new outcome “Developing Resilience”, as an extension of the model. In addition to the already existing contribution of frugal innovation to sustainability, our analysis highlights that frugal innovation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 5 related to Gender Equality. The study offers recommendations to industry practitioners and policymakers to make their strategies and policies more gender inclusive. It also makes a case to reconsider market assumptions about women's usage of frugal products as well as re-examine the existing governance structures to make them more encompassing and effective.

Cultural Influence on Indian Startup Ecosystem

The Indian startup ecosystem is distinctly shaped by the country's rich cultural fabric, which plays a pivotal role in its functioning and growth. At its core, the influence of family and community is paramount, often serving as the first source of funding and support for new ventures. This deep-rooted community network not only fosters trust but also aids in market penetration. Furthermore, India's cultural diversity demands that startups cater to a wide range of market needs, often leading to the creation of products and services tailored to specific cultural nuances. The concept of 'Jugaad', or frugal innovation, is ingrained in Indian culture, prompting startups to employ creativity in utilizing limited resources. The ecosystem is also energized by India's young, tech-savvy population that is open to new, innovative ideas. Many Indian startups, reflecting the cultural ethos of social responsibility, focus on addressing societal challenges such as education, healthcare, and sustainability. Moreover, Indian startups adeptly blend global technological trends with local cultural elements, making them relevant both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the Indian government's initiatives, influenced by the cultural support for entrepreneurship, further bolster the startup environment. This unique amalgamation of familial support, innovative frugality, social consciousness, and a youthful, tech-embracing demographic, underpinned by supportive government policies, makes the Indian startup ecosystem a vibrant and dynamic domain, distinctively shaped by its cultural context.

Relevancia de la innovación frugal en la transformación del sector manufacturero de las economías emergentes

In this paper, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the contributions of frugal innovation in the manufacturing sector of emerging economies. This study aims to understand the contribution of frugal innovation, highlighting the relevance and its contribution to this sector within global emerging markets. To approach this research, three indexed databases of high quality and scientific visibility were considered: Scopus, Ebscohost and Science Direct, with a search equation defined by the keywords: "frugal innovation", "frugal", "emerging economies" and "frugal manufacturing" and the exclusion and inclusion criteria, which allowed to select in a first search 15079 articles. As a final result of the filtering process of those documents identified as repetitive, not relevant to the research topic, 52 documents were obtained, which facilitated the identification of the most outstanding frugal innovations, their classification, description, frugal, social and economic contribution in emerging communities. The selected documents show that the subsector with the greatest contribution of goods and services derived from the application of frugal innovation corresponds to the energy sector, with 37,5%, followed by the industrial sector, with 20%. The research provides a theoretical reference in which the importance of frugality is highlighted, offering a positive perspective for emerging regions facing shortages in access to fundamental services such as electricity, drinking water and essential goods necessary for a dignified life.

#61 : Frugal Exoscope: A Potential Option for Microsurgery and Training Program in Male Infertility in the Context of Emerging Markets

Background and Aims: Conventional microscopes and exoscopes currently play pivotal roles in the microsurgery or training of male infertility. However, they are expensive and unaffordable in low resource settings which limits training or application of advanced methods. The study aimed to introduce a new, low–cost exoscope system and evaluate its frugal innovation. Method: Using animal models, we evaluated a new frugal exoscope system (called DKTA) in experimental microsurgery of vas deferens repair. Five experts in male infertility surgery undertook an anonymous survey to elucidate their experience with DKTA system use. Three crucial criteria (i.e., substantial cost reduction, concentration on core functionalities, optimised performance level) were evaluated to determine whether the DKTA is effective as frugal innovation. The survey used a 5-point Likert scaling of responses to eight statements investigating surgical, ergonomic, and educational aspects. Results: The DKTA system, including an optical microscope and ultrahigh definition camera (4K), was an exoscope placed between 20–40 cm from the surgical field. It was held in position with a camera support arm on casters and connected to a 65-inches smart TV. DKTA system met the three crucial criteria of frugal innovation, including substantial cost reduction, concentration on core functionalities, and optimised performance level. Five male infertility microsurgeons reported positive evaluations of the DKTA system (use modal scores) when performing experimental vasovasostomy. Conclusions: DKTA system, a frugal innovation, has a valuable contribution to the training programme and performance of male infertility microsurgery in low–resource settings. Acknowledgements: We want to send special thanks to the Centre for Training and Scientific Research staff, Tam Anh General Hospital for their logistics support.

Why Frugal Innovation Is of Strategic Importance to Business in the World Today

Why Frugal Innovation Is of Strategic Importance to Business in the World Today

ENABLING INNOVATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

To ensure sustainable development, there is a limit to the extent of urbanization. Thus, rural development is an essential strategy that many nations must work on to ensure optimal economic, environmental, and social outcomes at a country level. However, rural development in itself is challenging because rural communities typically have limited resources and capabilities to address common livelihood challenges, let alone take on new economic roles. Hence, as part of rural revitalization strategies, innovation plays a critical role. A wide range of technologies can facilitate innovation in rural development, including the internet and new agricultural technologies. In addition, new mindsets and shifts in values, such as the changing trends of work and consumerism, can create opportunities for rural areas to adopt innovation and develop new growth engines. However, it should be noted that the nature of innovation in rural and urban settings are different. In rural regions, growth could be enabled through more specific types of innovations, including frugal innovation, inclusive innovation, and social innovation. To enable these forms of innovations in rural areas, this paper proposes a three-dimensional process model that includes pro-social technological innovation policy, rural innovation governance, and dynamic networks that close the gap between rural and urban innovation systems. Examples from China, such as the development of Tengtou Village and Taobao Villages serve to demonstrate these concepts. Overall, the discussions in the paper suggest that to enable innovation in rural development, it is necessary to foster closer interactions between rural and urban innovation ecosystems for the former to leverage the latter’s technologies, networks, and resources.

Does empowering leadership help firms to establish collaborative culture and organizational commitment to stimulate frugal innovation?

PurposeGiven innovation's significance, this research examines the link between empowered leadership and frugal innovation. The research also explores how collaborative cultures and organizational commitment mediate empowered leadership's effect on frugal innovation.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative method is used with the approach of hierarchical regression to test the hypotheses with data obtained from Pakistani small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the questionnaire from 288 participants.FindingsThe results of this study show that empowered leadership has a considerable impact on the firm's capacity for frugal innovation. Additionally, this study shows that organizational commitment and collaborative culture significantly moderate the association between empowering leadership and frugal innovation.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should examine mediating factors, including employment experience, education and perceived organizational support, and moderating variables like employee psychological empowerment and leadership styles.Practical implicationsThis research advises SMEs in developing nations to utilize frugal innovation since they cannot afford to spend extensively on technologies that add creativity and innovation to goods and services.Originality/valueThis study advances how leadership both directly and indirectly helps organizations strengthen their capacity for frugal innovation through the mediating roles of collaborative culture and organizational commitment.

Sustainable business models and grassroots frugal innovations in developing countries

This research explores the origins and evolution of frugal innovations (FIs) within the grassroots communities of developing countries. It scrutinises how these innovations employ inventive business models that hold promise for sustainable development. The analysis centers on distinct aspects of business models, primarily elucidating the concepts of value proposition, value creation, and value capture. FIs, as this study reveals, possess the transformative ability to convert marginalised and underserved populations at the grassroots level into innovative consumer segments. Through an in-depth exploration of three compelling FI (Technology Hub, Albarka Yoghurt and JK Innovation) case studies, this research significantly contributes to the existing literature concerning FI business models. These cases vividly illustrate how individuals constrained by limited access to education, capital, and resources can ingeniously bring affordable products to market, employing unconventional strategies to fulfil the unmet needs of underserved demographics in developing nations."

Innovation as a Tool for Sustainable Development in Small and Medium Size Enterprises in Slovakia

Background: In the current global market, innovations are one of the tools of sustainable development. Therefore, companies must change their attitudes toward innovation strategies in accordance with international and national environmental standards, laws, and market requirements. We often come across, in particular, the evaluation of economic factors of sustainability, which cannot capture the attitudes of companies to the solved issue of the perception of innovation as a tool of sustainable development. Therefore, the Kano model and cluster analysis are used to evaluate the attitudes of Slovak small and medium-sized enterprises towards innovation, and the aim of this paper is to evaluate innovation as a tool of sustainability in enterprises in Slovakia. Methods: This article’s main research method is the Kano model and cluster analysis. Conclusions: The findings of this paper reveal how small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia perceive innovation as a tool for sustainable development. Based on the results, we can state the positive attitude of small and medium-sized enterprises towards innovations supporting sustainable development, focusing on frugal innovations characterized by cost reduction, as well as innovation targeting functions, standards, laws, and performance optimization. They perceive these innovations as attractive and their implementation in corporate structures as a basic function for sustainable development through innovation.

Frugal innovation embedded in business and political ties: transformational versus sustainable leadership

Frugal innovation embedded in business and political ties: transformational versus sustainable leadership

Technological Transformation and the Role of Frugal Innovations in Entrepreneurship Development in India

The discourse revolving around technology for sustainable development is a persistent centre of discussion and debate in both developed and developing economies. Considering ‘the appropriate technology model’ as a relevant model of technological development in developing economies like India and China, this article highlights how much India has influenced both the concept and practice of appropriate technological development. This article contributes an extensive literature overview to understand the relationship between frugal innovation (FI; termed Jugaad innovations in some South Asian countries) and sustainability. Applying the ‘lead market theory’ as a theoretical framework and using various examples, an attempt has been made to establish the nature of the association between them. These objectives are aimed at understanding India’s position and potential in the market for FIs. The article addresses issues that connect and combine the underlying drivers of technology and sustainability in the context of FIs.