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Are there ways to actually measure "frugal innovation" or "social innovation"?

In my management research, these terms are widely used but often remain buzzwords. For my dissertation, I need to operationalize them as variables. Are there established scales, index frameworks, or mixed-methods approaches that capture the multidimensional impact like cost reduction, accessibility, and social value creation in a way that's credible for publication?

 

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Judeth Answered 1 month ago

This is the critical leap from theory to actionable research. I have seen two effective approaches. For frugal innovation, I recommend a multi-dimensional scale assessing affordability, core functionality, and ease of use. These can be quantified against incumbent solutions. For social innovation, measurement is more nuanced. I would advise a mixed-methods framework: combine quantitative metrics (like beneficiary reach or cost-per-outcome) with deep qualitative case studies to capture systemic change and empowerment. The challenge is that the most important social outcomes like dignity or community agency are often the hardest to quantify, so your methodology must justify its chosen proxies.

 

By Kumar Answered 1 month ago

The field is still maturing, but yes, there are frameworks. For frugal innovation, scales often measure cost sustainability, core functionality, and ease-of-use (look up Rao's Frugal Innovation Scale). For social innovation, scales assess social value creation, stakeholder engagement, and societal impact processes. However, there's no single universal standard. Researchers often adapt and validate constructs from broader entrepreneurship and sustainability literature for their specific context (e.g., healthcare in rural India).

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