Fostering frugal innovation through a stakeholder-centered design thinking framework

Engaging stakeholders throughout the development of frugal innovations is essential for their success. However, with increasing research emphasizing the significance of stakeholder integration, several organizations have yet to adopt this practice. Instead, they are directing their management procedures towards the frugal concept in a responsive, linear, and restricted manner. This study examines the capacity of Design Thinking to involve stakeholders in micro, small, and medium-sized companies. Descriptive research was conducted on micro, small, and medium-sized managers responsible for frugal product development. The managers were determined to acknowledge the positive impact of design thinking characteristics and strategies on engaging consumers(users), internal and external agents, sponsors, distribution channels, the community, and the supplier. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that organizations must develop the appropriate background for this approach to be feasible. Finally, the study proposed a generic stakeholder-centered design thinking framework to foster frugal innovation.