Scarcity has become a major driver for innovation. The bleaker economy of the last few years has thrust companies, organizations, universities – and entire countries – into an austerity mode. Innovation is more critical than ever, yet many established organizations, especially the ones that institutionalized their innovation process, don’t have the agility to respond. The things they’re used to, money and time, are no longer abundant.
In the context of this changed economy when it seems everything has to be faster, better and cheaper, there’s a type of innovator who’s thriving: the jugaad innovator. Jugaad (pronounced “Joo-gaard”) is a Hindi word that translates not only to a noun – it’s a fix, a work-around, an innovative solution – but it also encompasses an entire spirit of resourcefulness and resilience. Keep reading »
