The Hybridity of Inclusive Innovation Narratives Between Theory and Practice: A Framing Analysis

Felix Ouko Opola (), Laurens Klerkx, Cees Leeuwis and Catherine Kilelu
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Felix Ouko Opola: Wageningen University
Laurens Klerkx: Wageningen University
Cees Leeuwis: Wageningen University
Catherine Kilelu: African Centre for Technology Studies

The European Journal of Development Research, 2021, vol. 33, issue 3, No 10, 626-648

Abstract: Abstract Inclusive innovation remains an under-conceptualised and ambiguous concept despite garnering political and academic interest in recent decades. This paper explores the narratives of inclusive innovation that exist in literature and how these are framed in practice, using a case study of the Kenyan agricultural sector. Findings indicate that while there is significant similarity between the theoretical and empirical framing of the concept, there are also stark differences. In addition, different actors such as the state, development agencies, the private sector or universities do not fully ascribe to any of the existing theoretical narratives on inclusive innovation. Instead, they frame it based on their own contexts, mandate and interests using concepts borrowed from existing theoretical narratives. This indicates that instead of a grand theory of inclusive innovation that applies universally, there are several ways of enacting inclusive innovation. This also limits the transferability of a one-size-fits-all model of inclusive innovation.

Keywords: Inclusive innovation; Frugal innovation; Grassroots innovation; Bottom of the pyramid; Inclusive development; Inclusive business; Social innovation; Kenya (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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DOI: 10.1057/s41287-020-00290-z

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