User innovation : an inquiry in the rural context

![CDATA[Research on user innovation and entrepreneurship has focused almost entirely on developed economy settings focusing largely on technologically advanced user innovations. Since very less is known on user innovation occurring in the rural context, we used the qualitative research lens to understand in detail the phenomenon of user innovation and entrepreneurship. Detailed case studies of five rural user innovations were conducted in rural India. These users innovated to alleviate drudgery while fulfilling their need for a low-cost local solution to a widespread rural problem. These user innovators often encountered a resource void for commercialising their innovations. Our study finds that external actors fill this void by extending financial aid without collateral, research and development support, business development support, and intellectual property protection support. In addition to poverty alleviation, our study finds a positive social impact on the lives of rural entrepreneurs and their communities.]]