| By: |
Tiwari, Rajnish;
Bergmann, Stephan |
| Abstract: |
Frugal innovations, i.e. affordable products and services with appropriately
good quality, are getting increasingly important for securing long-term
competitiveness in both, the developing world and in industry nations.
Nevertheless, ensuring actual implementation of technology-driven frugal
inventions remains an under-researched area. This study investigates modes and
routines employed by techno-entrepreneurs from industry nations when
innovating frugally. The study is based on the patent data of seven auto
component sector firms from Germany with a documented history of contributing
cost-effective solutions to frugal vehicles. With the help of a keyword
analysis we identify the role of frugality in (patented) technical inventions.
Select case studies of frugal inventions show that cost effectiveness and
environmental sustainability can be often achieved by simplification of design
and production process, as well as by eliminating avoidable complexity, e.g.
through standardization. The study shows that frugal inventions in the
investigated firms are often driven by individual inventors, while potentials
of open global innovation networks are under-utilized. Furthermore, the study
shows that frugality can (only) be achieved by a holistic approach that
encompasses the entire value chain, including logistics and waste management.
The results are potentially beneficial for techno-entrepreneurs across
industry sectors and product domains. |
| Keywords: |
Frugal Innovation,Techno-entrepreneurship,Frugal Invention,Patent Analysis,Auto Components,Germany,Simplification |
| Date: |
2018 |
| URL: |
https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:tuhtim:105 |