Understanding Water Innovation and Challenges for Sustainable Solutions

The study uncovers the barriers, drivers and enablers of WASH sector innovation in Pakistan. the conducive for water innovation are also unpin though primary and secondary data. Pakistan is the 6th most populous country, is properly-endowed with water, water availability according to person is relatively low. The scope of the study is limited to three main indicators of the water innovation evaluated through primary and secondary data. It was due to time and resource management issues. Although, the broader context of the all possible barriers, drivers and enablers are also highlighted for being the significant indicators for innovation. The conceptual framework opted for this study consists of three pillars i.e. concepts and elements, potential benefits & barriers and similarities and differences. The study opted for both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate and address the specific objectives of the study. The reverse avert nature of the WASH sector has found to be a barrier to water innovation on the basis data analysis. The regulatory system is the enabler for efficiency and performance as it was intended, originally, however it has proved to be barrier due to its insistence over time. Knowledge sharing, collaboration and trust were identified as major enablers of innovation in water sector. The government, academia and industry lack coordination mechanisms. The policy and regulatory regime is a slow process in Pakistan. The post 18th amendment scenario has widened the gap at federal and provincial level for coordinated efforts in this regards. The Government (in the form of local government system) may have the opportunity to develop public-private partnership for water innovation. The analysis depicts the engagement of all stakeholders to implement policy and regulatory mechanism through improved efficiency standards for WASH sector. Above all, it is found that water is social phenomenon. Without engagement and coordination of all stakeholders, it would not be possible to opt innovative approaches to ensure optimal utilization of this scarce resource in Pakistan.