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

Abstract

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.