Dennys Eduardo Rossetto is a permanent Associate Professor of Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship at SKEMA Business School. He is a researcher at the SKEMA Center for Knowledge, Organizations, and Technology Research (KTO). His work focuses on global and frugal innovation, social innovation, and entrepreneurship in emerging markets, areas that are increasingly shaping the future of global business. Currently, he is investigating the transformative potential of frugal innovation to solve global issues such as access to healthcare, clean energy, and sustainable development.
Could you tell us more about your field of research, particularly global and frugal innovation, social innovation, and entrepreneurship in emerging markets?
Frugal innovation helps stakeholders, seeking cost-effective strategies for resilience and growth, innovate by doing more with less. Studying how companies can innovate at low costs despite resource scarcity led me to develop a scale for measuring frugal innovation and realise the importance of a frugal innovation ecosystem for businesses. With colleagues from universities in Brazil and abroad, we are developing a conceptual framework of a frugal ecosystem, including its measures, actors, and dynamics. While I focus on emerging markets, where resources are limited, it is also increasingly relevant in advanced economies facing rising costs and disruptions. Frugal innovation paves the way for sustainable business models, benefiting both consumers and companies.
What results surprised you the most?
The adaptability of companies applying frugal innovation under resource constraints has been the most surprising result of my research. Even in challenging environments, businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity. My research, involving over 1,100 companies across India, the USA, and Brazil, has revealed that frugal innovation is not limited by geography or sector, but is a global and versatile approach to creating value with limited resources.
For instance, in India, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have shown resilience by leveraging local knowledge to develop affordable healthcare solutions that address the needs of underserved communities. One recurring example is the development of portable and low-cost diagnostic devices that offer a high-quality alternative to expensive imported equipment. This ingenuity not only cuts costs but also ensures healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas.
What are the foreseen outcomes?
This research empowers businesses, to innovate under constraints, driving economic resilience and sustainable growth. It extends to multinational corporations, startups, governments, NGOs, policymakers, and local communities, offering them strategies to turn limitations into competitive advantages, innovate sustainably, and create affordable solutions with far-reaching impacts. Societal benefits include improved access to affordable products, services, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. This research also supports public policy by advocating innovation-driven development, contributing to better quality of life, and helping businesses and communities navigate challenges in resource-scarce environments.