Frugal innovation

About: Frugal innovation is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 472 publications have been published within this topic receiving 9290 citations.

The Enabling Role of IT in Frugal Innovation

Abstract: In this conceptual paper, we examine IT-enabled frugal innovation from the lens of absorptive capacity theory (ACAP). The practice of frugal innovation in emerging economies is rooted in low cost approaches, constrained resources, and flexible improvisation. As frugal innovation is an emergent phenomenon, there is little theoretical development and empirical investigation with respect to the enabling role of IT. We address this gap by examining the conceptual underpinnings of frugal innovation and its antecedents, such as IT leveraging capability, dynamic knowledge capabilities, and organizational learning. We develop a research model and provide testable propositions. This paper contributes to ACAP literature by providing a look inside the “black box” of the relationships between three different types of learning (according to ACAP) and their effects on the underlying dimensions of frugal innovation. Furthermore, based on our findings, implications for theory and practice are provided along with guidance for future empirical research.

Frugal Innovation for Point-of-Care Diagnostics Controlling Outbreaks and Epidemics.

Abstract: Today epidemics of infectious diseases occur more often and spread both faster and further due to globalization and changes in our lifestyle. One way to meet these biological threats are so-called ...

In search of the frugal innovation strategy

Abstract: In the past years, many contributions have been published addressing frugal innovation and other types of resource-constrained innovations in the management field. Throughout this paper frugal innovation is reported as a phenomenon, concept, research field and strategy, showing the different ways the literature refers to it and how scattered the concept is. However, based on the understanding, the authors decided to address frugal innovation as a kind of innovation strategy that helps companies to innovate in resource-constrained environments. Therefore, considering the increasing interest in the frugal innovation topic and adding the perspective of business strategy for resource-constrained conditions, the research question addressed in this paper is: what are the main features of the frugal innovation literature that unfold its current perspectives for business strategy? In this sense, the purpose of this study is to analyze the scientific production in frugal innovation through a literature mapping and review to better understand it, delimiting different perspectives and creating boundaries to other business strategies or approaches.,The authors performed a co-citation analysis using the Vosviewer software to notice how authors are arranged in clusters based on their understanding of the topic. Furthermore, the authors also performed a systematic literature review (SLR) analyzing the extant literature on frugal innovation based on the clusters found through the co-citation method. The final sample used in the study included 42 papers published between 2011 and 2019, using the Web of Science platform as a data source.,By means of SLR, the findings of this study provided a more organized view of frugal innovation through the co-citation analysis and the qualitative analysis of the clusters, which were the basis for the parameters established. After the conceptualization of frugal innovation strategy (FIS) and the delimitation of boundaries of FIS, the authors bring the reflections about the contribution to the literature and the practice (managers and society) by showing three assumptions to be tested and confirmed in future studies and a framework to guide companies in search of a FIS.,This study contributes to the discussion on frugal innovation moving a step forward to clarify the research field on this subject providing the main characteristics for researchers and practitioners. The paper has delimited the boundaries of FIS. The assumptions established in the discussion can become hypotheses for empirical studies. In addition, the authors explain why, what is, where and to whom the FIS can be developed and applied. Furthermore, the authors contribute by developing the FIS framework, with four strategic positions based on the boundaries of FIS organized by the complexity technological level. The strategic positions are frugal innovation orientation (FIO), FIO to value shared, FIO to market and FIS.

A Bibliometric Map of Intellectual Communities in Frugal Innovation Literature

Abstract: Frugal innovation is the process of innovating to respond to severe resource constraints with products that have cost advantages compared with existing solutions. The philosophy behind frugal innovation can be applied to both products and services from different sectors, as shown by academia and managerial applications. In this article, the purpose is to examine the intellectual structure of the developing domain of frugal-innovation research in order to identify the most active and influential communities, as well as the most seminal works and the most active scholars. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on frugal innovation. The outcomes of our analysis allow us to offer an objective and scientific mapping of the development of this field. Four distinct intellectual communities have been identified: strategic challenges, inclusive development, sustainability, and industrial application. We, herein, provide insights into the commonalities between these distinct communities and into the intellectual structure of the domain, as well as indications for future studies. The results dig into the evolution of the topic and instigate further research explorations toward the industrial applications of frugal innovation, addressing whether and how this approach could deliver benefits to companies in terms of product development, industrial systems, and logistics.