Idrees Rasouli
13 Styles of Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Summary
The theories of innovation, which originated from developed economies during the 20th century, have become less suitable for the least developed and emerging economies. The traditional approach to innovation, which is resource-intensive and highly sequential, requires a mechanism of dedicated funding and infrastructure, whereas the least developed and emerging economies require approaches that adapt and leverage that which is available within their context.
The problem is that designers, both local and foreign, are often using the wrong theories and approaches to innovation when considering the least developed and emerging economies — lacking the ability to predict what actions will cause what results, under what circumstances. This requires building a new design theory and also modifying the concept of innovation accordingly. One such approach to innovation that helps form a decolonised view of innovation whilst considering the constraints of an environment and the idea of doing more with less is ‘resource-constrained innovation’, or innovation achieved under resource constraints.
Additional info
As part of my PhD research entitled 'Decolonised Innovation', I explored new styles of innovation that are characterised by contextual conditions — of material, financial and human resource scarcity. I draw on perspectives and epistemology from cultural studies, expanding through literature review and then defining by cross-case study analysis. Afterward, mapping and analysing the findings, pinpointing the differences between them, and considering an alternative epistemology arising from social theory — recognising the importance and role of culture, economy, and the environment in influencing these styles of knowing and practice.
I use the term ‘style’ instead of type, mainly to refer to the cultural ecology of a society or individual who achieves innovation under resource constraints — focusing on the immediate context, motivation, narrative, and methods of problem-solving best suited for the least developed, emerging, and developed economies and how we can approach innovation and transform our processes by mobilising available resources and ideas to meet our needs. I focus on finding the commonalities and differences amongst these styles, as well as the shortcomings and opportunities, with the aim to clarify the misconceptions and multiple conceptions that are associated with innovation under resource constraints.
Idrees Rasouli (2019), adapted from Bhatti and Ventresca, 2013, Collier, 2008, and Papanek, 1985.
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Frugal Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Below the Radar Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Jugaad Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Faster, Better, Cheaper Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Cost Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Reverse Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Inclusive Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Grassroots Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Gandhian Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Bottom of the Pyramid Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Good-Enough Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Long Tail Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Designing Empathetic Innovation Under Resource Constraints
Idrees Rasouli (2020), Decolonised Innovation: Designing Needs, Dreams, and Aspirations Under Resource Constraints
