Innovation and entrepreneurship in India: understanding jugaad

Abstract

In this paper, we use the term $\textit{jugaad}$ to describe the frugal, flexible, and inclusive approach to innovation and entrepreneurship emerging from India. We articulate why this method is appropriate within the Indian context and highlight similarities between $\textit{jugaad}$ and related types of innovation originating from other emerging (and developed) economies. Next, we identify different types of organizations that engage in $\textit{jugaad}$ and elucidate their abilities, or lack thereof, to undertake such innovation. Finally, we incorporate the notion of $\textit{jugaad}$ within current theorizing on innovation and entrepreneurship and outline an agenda for future research on this topic. Overall, we provide insights on a mode of innovating that is increasingly prevalent in India as well as certain economies around the world and take steps towards integrating this concept into the mainstream theory, practice, and policy discourses around innovation and entrepreneurship.