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INCLuSIve INNovatIoN or INNovatIoN for INCLuSIve deveLoPMeNt: a LIterature revIeW
Mamphiswana, r.S.
University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa Orcid: 0000-0003-3423-1643
X and IG: R3ndan
LinkedIn: Rendani Mamphiswana, PhD on Correspondence: rendani.mamphiswana@gmail.com
abstract
Innovation is not inherently inclusive. Understanding how the concept of inclusive innovation or innovation for inclusive development is overcoming this reality is imperative. Inclusivity can be as part of the innovation process, outcome and impact side of the innovation process, or a combination. Through a literature review this study traces the concepts of inclusive innovation and innovation for inclusive development. The study aims to understand key drivers of both inclusive innovation and innovation for inclusive development. Considering that innovation is not inherently inclusive, the study further undertakes to ascertain mechanisms used to overcome this reality. The study confirms that inclusive innovation and innovation for inclusive development is an emerging field. Although at times used interchangeably, the difference is immaterial for the main goal of achieving inclusive outcomes. Governance is an approach through which innovation is guided towards inclusive outcomes. The key is clearly defining inclusive outcomes, which must be looked at on a regular basis. While the important role of governance is clear, policymakers will need to experiment with different governance models to see which work best for certain inclusive outcomes. The literature is unclear on the best starting point for policymakers. Inclusivity can be on the input and output side of the innovation process. The input side ensures participation in developing innovation, while the output side ensures that technology, products and services cater for all in society. The input side also requires capabilities for innovation, which take time to acquire. Further research is required to focus on finding the optimal balance for policymakers to consider.
Keywords: inclusive development, inclusive innovation, innovation; policymakers
Introduction
The concenpt of inclusive innovation emerged to respond to the consequences of innovation (Schillo and Robinson 2017). While the focus of innovation is largely on economuc outcomes, simultenously innovation leads to environmental and social outcomes. The evolution of the
concept has taken different paths in the developed and emerging economies. Equally, variants such as innovation for inclusive developmebt emerged, which has at times been used interchangeably by some scholars, while others used it for targeting certain demographic groups (Schillo and Robinson 2017).
For emerging economies the concepts of inclusive innovation or innovation for inclusive development are important. Shaping innovation directionality for sustainable development outcomes has become a central theme on innovation policy (Tödtling and Trippl 2018). The aim of the study is to guide policymakers in emerging economies in operationalising and implementing these concepts under correct and original definitions. Further, the impact of any adaptations must be fully understood.
Materials and methods
The study followed a systematic literature review approach, starting off with ‘inclusive innovation’ and ‘innovation for inclusive development’ as the key search words in Google Scholar. Based on the key themes emerging from the initial set of articles, new key search words were developed and used in Google Scholar. Social innovation and governance emerged from the initial set of articles, and these were included as sub-sections in the literature section. A total of 39 articles were reviewed and their contributions to inclusive innovation and innovation for inclusive development are discussed in the next section.
Literature review
Inclusive innovation
Schillo and Robinson’s (2017) paper developed the four- dimensional framwork for developed economies, which includes people, activities, outcomes and governance. The participation of people at all levels of the innovation process, and the type of innovation activities, as well as both positive and negative innovation outcomes at the economic, social and environmental level, are considered. The systems of innovation are continously governed to deliver inclusive innovation.
Sengupta (2016) focused on emerging India and places emphasis on governance to ensure participation by all stakeholders. While economic outcomes are important, inclusive innovation must enable and empower people at the periphery to be involved in innovation (Sengupta 2016). The role of governance highlighted by Sengupta (2016) and Schillo and Robinson (2017) suggests government’s involvement for succeeding in inclusive innovation.
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