Bridging the critical interface: Ambidextrous innovation for water provision in Nairobi's informal settlements

Pär Blomkvist, David Nilsson, Benard Juma and Lewis Sitoki

Technology in Society, 2020, vol. 60, issue C

Abstract: This article examines innovation activities in water infrastructure in Nairobi, Kenya. The focus is on efforts by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Corporation (NCWSC) to provide water services to the inhabitants in the informal areas of the city using an automated vending machine, or Pre-Paid Dispenser (PPD). In this study, we investigate what happens when a regime actor like NCWSC tries to implement an ambidextrous (two-handed) strategy: managing the existing system according to conventional practice and at the same time innovate in new technical solutions and business models to cater for unconnected users.

Keywords: Water infrastructure; Large technical systems (LTS); Innovation theory; Ambidextrous organizations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:teinso:v:60:y:2020:i:c:s0160791x19302544

DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.101221

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