Research scholars / Students
What is the developmental paradigm based on grassroots innovations?
Grassroots technological innovations by definition are need-based, simple, cost-effective and sustainable. The possibility of these technological solutions addressing local constraints in an effective way is reasonably high, simply because these solutions originate from someone who has first-hand experience of the issues involved. On the other hand, given the lack of financial and technical resources present with the grassroots innovators, many grassroots innovations are rudimentary and limited in terms of design. The experience of NIF shows that quite often people at the grassroots develop solutions without any or with very limited external assistance. The magnitude of demand also varies depending on how widespread the need is, how important the element of regional specificity is and so on. This describes the challenges and opportunities for grassroots innovations.
In essence, these innovations address the key needs of grassroots consumers, which have not been met or satisfied by the existing Trickle-Down products and services. Hence, there is ample scope for wealth creation by linking grassroots need-based technologies with formal sector technical & commercial knowledge, to make them scalable and commercially attractive. There is a lot to be done on this front.
Therefore, there is a need to build a value chain around these innovations and to provide incubation support, if the benefits from these innovations have to be disseminated to consumers far and wide
NIF is mandated to fill this gap by linking the informal knowledge system (grassroots genius) with formal knowledge system and thereby have a distributed knowledge system in place. Such an attempt would ensure the reach of economically poor-knowledge rich people to the masses and will also prevent the erosion of indigenous knowledge base.
Can grassroots innovation be a source for wealth creation? Can I have some examples?
Grassroots Innovations have an immense potential for wealth creation as it is the result of unsatisfied human demand. Innovation when developed into product, have the potential to convert this demand in potential market. Further market may be explored through identification of similar geo-political–socio-eco area. Some of innovation with success in wealth generation are available at http://west.gian.org/success_stories
Yes, NIF regularly associates interns/volunteers the requirement for which is at http://www.nifindia.org/volunteer_nif.htm. The Interns with their concerned assignment guide can mutually identify assignment to works on area such as;
- Technical documentation of innovations from nearby areas
- Technical benchmarking of technologies
- Prototype development & validation/ Product Development
- Market benchmarking of technologies (Market research)
- Exploring licensing opportunities for several of these innovations through venture mall, or entrepreneurship clearing house,
- Building technology networks by linking experts from technical institutions around each technology,
- Managing some specific pages or functions at site (www.indiainnovates.com),
- Scouting innovations and traditional knowledge from slums, other localities, industrial clusters, through students or otherwise, and
- Developing business plan for technologies from all over India but which have potential in your regions.
What kind of educational background should we have to take up internship projects?
NIF regularly offers internship projects, to students having educational background in engineering, Management, Agri-business, Rural development, Social Work and Intellectual Property Rights.
The Applicant should have social, technical and management background. Following experience (skill and knowledge sets) is desired;
- Good understanding of business planning
- Exposure in market research/ Concept testing /Test marketing
- Good analytical skills
- Understanding of financial feasibility tools
- Good language and communication skills (report writing, presentation)
- Prior work experience in industry will be an advantage
Stipend may be decided on case to case basis.
Deliverables may be mutually decided with the concerned project guide.
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