Innovating across borders: Insights from frugal and reverse innovation research

Rasool F.; Navarro-Castillo Y.; Morales-Alonso G.; Hidalgo A. · International Journal of Innovation Studies (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.ijis.2026.01.002

Resumen

This paper examines frugal and reverse innovation as strategic responses to resource-constrained environments, particularly in developing economies. Frugal innovation creates affordable and efficient solutions for underserved markets, while reverse innovation adapts these solutions for developed countries. Through a bibliometric analysis of 506 publications, we identify six research clusters that capture the conceptual foundations, organizational strategy, social impact, and sector-specific applications. The findings reveal that these innovation models are interconnected, shaping global innovation paths across various industries, including healthcare, energy, and education. The study contributes to theory and practice by synthesizing current knowledge, identifying research gaps, and proposing future directions, including empirical studies on innovation flows and user adoption. Despite its limitations, this work provides a foundational understanding to guide businesses and policymakers in leveraging frugal and reverse innovations for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina