A recent study by researchers from the American University of Nigeria (AUN) has garnered attention for its insights into the critical role universities play in fostering frugal innovation and driving socio-economic development. Published by Springer Nature in its October 21, 2024, volume-3, the study is authored by Theoneste Manishimwe, Dr. DeWayne Frazier, and Prof. Hassan Yusuf.
The research highlights the growing importance of frugal innovation, particularly in low to middle-income countries, as a means of supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs). The study's objective was to explore how universities can position themselves as dual-purpose institutions—both entrepreneurial catalysts and development-focused entities—while establishing a conceptual framework to guide these efforts.
Utilizing an exploratory case study methodology, the researchers centered their analysis on AUN, renowned for its commitment to development and entrepreneurship initiatives. The study analyzed data from the AUN Global Impact Ranking 2024, revealing that a university’s capability to manage technology and skill transfers related to frugal innovations is influenced by six distinct competencies. Furthermore, the ability to generate frugal innovations is significantly affected by the surrounding policy and innovation ecosystems, which involve government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policymakers.
The study concludes that universities can enhance their contributions to society by integrating development into their core missions. It urges academic institutions, particularly in low to middle-income countries, to embrace both entrepreneurial initiatives and development-focused roles. By doing so, they can generate meaningful societal and economic impacts.
This pioneering research not only expands the existing body of knowledge but also serves as an inspiration for other universities looking to create impactful development models.
For those interested in delving deeper into the findings, the paper is available for access through Springer's publication portal. Click HERE
Reported by John Abah