Defining frugal innovation: a critical review

Frugal innovation (FI), which has gained traction in various sectors, is loosely defined as developing quality solutions a resource-constrained environment that are affordable to low-income consumers. However, with its popularity, multiple and diverse definitions have emerged often lack theoretical foundation. This led convoluted conceptualisation hinders research adoption practice. Despite this plethora of perspectives definitions, scholars do agree there need for unified definition. critical review across the management, entrepreneurship, business organisation studies literatures explores FI appeared last two decades seeks examine commonalities differences. One definition supported by underpinning, main themes include affordability, adaptability, resource scarcity, accessibility sustainability, however, remains significant ambiguity around what constitutes an FI. Defining concept should not deter from focusing on core aim identifying may be best achieved comparing it incumbent alternative, rather than against ill-defined concept. There merit common understanding support strategies successful acceptance diffusion globally.