From innovators perspective : process of grassroots innovation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Abstract

In the past two decades, there has been a growing interest in grassroots innovation in India and beyond, both as an area of formal research and practice. Although many different explanations of grassroots innovations exist in literature, they can be understood as novel products and processes that solve an unmet need or pressing challenge for an individual or community in a particular local context. Grassroots innovators come from rural communities and have limited or no formal education, but are capable of developing innovative solutions within the constraints engendered by the context they are embedded in. Although there is recognition of grassroots innovation by the central government in India, the vibrant discussions and learnings from the researcher and practitioner community has not translated to its inclusion in state level innovation policies, as evidenced in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Through the narratives of four grassroots innovators, the thesis explores how grassroots innovation processes materialize in these two states. Analysis of the processes reveal that a confluence of resources (financial, material, physical, knowledge and technical), individual agency, and external-organization created networks is essential to transforming an idea into a product. Drawing on insights from the analysis, the thesis then proposes ways in which grassroots innovation can be recognized and supported within the existing innovation policy frameworks in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This includes linking formal education and grassroots innovation, leveraging college and university infrastructure as experimentation space, giving grassroots innovators access to incubator resources, and channeling corporate social responsibility funds to financially support them.