A conceptual analysis of foundations, trends and relevant potentials in the field of frugal innovation (for Europe) : interim report for the project "study on frugal innovation and reengineering of traditional techniques"

This literature study explores the quickly expanding body of literature on the subject of frugal innovation with a view to common definitions, central prerequisites and possible avenues of future development. On that basis, it seeks to establish a better and more focused understanding of the manifold opportunities that frugal innovation offers for Europe's firms and citizens. Furthermore, it elaborates on possible ways how existing technological capacities could be leveraged for frugal ends and how new development can further frugal innovation. Despite evident particularities in market conditions, it finds that the process of frugal innovation is by no means unique to developing countries. While, per se, European firms and developers do not face limiting resource constraints, a more conscious acknowledgement of those of others will not only enable them to leverage additional market opportunities elsewhere but also to improve their contribution to societal challenges.