Author(s): Mvulirwenande, S., U. Wehn & A.Leliveld
Publication date: November 2018
Title: A Conceptual Framework for Analysing and Fostering Innovation in the Water Sector
Cite this article as: Mvulirwenande, S., U. Wehn & A.Leliveld (2017) A Conceptual Framework for Analysing and Fostering Innovation in the Water Sector. Paper for the international conference ‘Frugal Innovation for Sustainable Global Development’, Museum Volkenkunde, Leiden, The Netherlands, 7-8 November 2017
Keywords: conceptual framework, frugal innovation, incubation, water sector, VIA Water
The perceived positive implications on sustainable global development have triggered a variety of programmes to foster frugal innovations. To increase the impact of these programmes, it is important that we are able to understand how they function. In this paper we develop a conceptual framework for the analysis of interventions that foster frugal innovations through incubation. Drawing on relevant theories and concepts in the field of innovation and related literatures, the framework identifies and describes two major categories of factors influencing the nature and outcome of frugal innovation incubation. The first category relates to the incubation process, the second to the innovation environment. The proposed framework is illustrated by a case study on VIA Water, a Dutch programme to foster water innovations in African cities. The framework and the case study material presented in this paper demonstrate the complexity of a frugal innovation incubation process and thus the need to take a holistic approach when designing and /or analysing related interventions.