Jugaad Innovation Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate Breakthrough Growth

Innovation is a major directive at companies worldwide. Everyone wants to know how to get more out of their efforts, to make good ideas cost less and last longer. But in these tough times-and as the global business landscape becomes increasingly complex and diverse- we can't rely on the old formula that has sustained innovation efforts for decades: a mix of top-down policies, expensive R&D projects and highly-structured innovation processes. Jugaad Innovation argues that the West must look to places like India, Brazil, and China for a new approach to frugal and flexible innovation. The authors show how in these emerging markets jugaad (a Hindi word meaning an improvised solution born from ingenuity and cleverness) is leading to dramatic growth and how Western companies can adopt jugaad practices to succeed in our hypercompetitive world. The authors outline the six principles of jugaad innovation: · Seek opportunity in adversity · Do more with less · Think and act flexibly · Keep it simple · Include the margin · Follow your heart The book is filled with previously untold and engaging stories of resourceful jugaad innovators and entrepreneurs in emerging markets, such as Mansukh Prajapati, a former tea seller in a remote Indian village and proud inventor of "MittiCool," an affordable fridge made entirely of clay that consumes no electricity, is 100% biodegradable, and produces zero waste during its lifetime. Or Dr Sathya Jeganathan, a pediatrician in a rural hospital in southern India who teamed up with neonatal nurses and local electricians to develop a low-cost incubator that uses standard 100-watt light bulbs and is built with locally harvested wood. The minimalist design and easy-to-maintain device has cut infant mortality at her hospital in half. The authors also share stories of large corporations from around the world-Facebook, 3M, Apple, Google, Best Buy, GE, IBM, Nokia, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Tata Group, and more-that are actively practicing jugaad innovation. A groundbreaking book, Jugaad Innovation shows leaders everywhere why the time is right for jugaad to emerge as a powerful business tool in the West-and how to bring jugaad practices to their organizations.

Navi Radjou is an independent innovation and leadership consultant based in Palo Alto, California, and a fellow at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

Jaideep Prabhu is Jawaharlal Nehru professor of Indian business and enterprise and director of the Centre for India & Global Business at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

Simone Ahuja is the founder of Blood Orange, a marketing and strategy consultancy with content production capabilities headquartered in Minneapolis and Mumbai.