Frugal innovation

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Frugal innovation is an approach to using fewer materials and finances to develop more affordable and simple products and services. The idea of resource-scarce, frugal innovation carries the potential of adapting to local needs and policies, in contrast with dominant global, often resource-intensive technological ideals. In doing so, frugal innovations are expected to address challenges related to poverty through more appropriate products and services. Frugal innovations reflect the change of focus from technology to market-oriented approaches, emphasizing private sector involvement, entrepreneurship and co-creation of innovations with local actors. We criticize the corporate-driven win-win narrative on frugal innovations, as it provides an individualized and simplistic solution to the global problem of poverty and obscures the negative impacts of corporate actions on many local communities where they extract resources.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationElgar Encyclopedia of Innovation Management
EditorsPäivi Eriksson, Tero Montonen, Pikka-Maaria Laine, Anna Hannula
Number of pages3
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar
Publication date2025
Pages219-221
ISBN (Print)978-1-0353-0644-2
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-0353-0645-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
MoE publication typeA3 Book chapter

Publication series

NameElgar encyclopedias in business and management

Keywords

  • 512 Business and Management
  • Affordability
  • Co-creation
  • Corporate power
  • Poverty
  • Scarcity
  • Sustainable innovation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Frugal innovation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this