Sustainable Business Models and Grassroots Frugal Innovations in Developing Countries

Abstract

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."