Over the last two decades, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners have focused on the innovations in the informal sector, particularly grassroots innovations (GI) from low-income countries. Such innovations' diffusion dynamics, however, are uncharted territory. As a result, this paper explores the diffusion of GI from India's informal sector. We chose ten GI and gathered data in ex-situ and in-situ conditions using a case study method. The data is analysed on four parameters of diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory by Rogers. The findings imply that the GI provide sustainable, and a low cost perceived use value while other innovations from the formal sector are either expensive, unavailable, or do not see it as a potentially profitable enterprise. Furthermore, informality -à- communication and social structure have a significant impact on diffusion of GI. Time dimension may not be as important for the informal sector innovations. The formal sector actors are more involved in dissemination of GI, employing new means. Finally, we discuss how DOI theory may be applied in the informal sector and how it can aid in alleviating GI diffusion concerns.

中文翻译：

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非正规部门可持续创新的扩散动态：探索印度基层创新案例


在过去的二十年中，研究人员、政策制定者和从业者一直关注非正规部门的创新，特别是低收入国家的草根创新（GI）。然而，此类创新的扩散动力仍是未知领域。因此，本文探讨了地理标志从印度非正规部门的扩散。我们选择了十个地理标志，并使用案例研究方法收集了异地和原地条件下的数据。罗杰斯根据创新扩散（DOI）理论的四个参数对数据进行了分析。研究结果表明，地理标志提供了可持续的、低成本的感知使用价值，而来自正规部门的其他创新要么昂贵、无法获得，要么不被视为潜在盈利的企业。此外，非正式交流和社会结构对地理标志的传播具有重大影响。对于非正规部门的创新来说，时间维度可能不那么重要。正规部门参与者更多地采用新手段参与地理标志的传播。最后，我们讨论了 DOI 理论如何应用于非正规部门以及它如何帮助减轻地理标志扩散问题。