In India, the word “Jugaad” is
something that we lived with it. It means finding an innovative solution to a
problem arising out of very limited resources. Recently, I had finished reading
“Jugaad Innovation” by Navi Radjou, Jaideep Prabhu, and Simone Ahuja. For me,
Jugaad is a creative improvisation, a medium to somehow find a solution based
on a refusal to accept defeat and calling on quick thinking.
In Jugaad Innovation, authors
challenge the status quo of traditional organizations in terms of how they
think and act. The book outlines six principles of Jugaad: Seek Opportunity in
adversity, do more with less, think and act flexibly, keep it simple, include
the margin, and follow your heart. The book also argues about that West must
look at countries like India, China, Brazil, for a new approach to frugal and
flexible innovation.
The book begins with Simone meeting
with Mansukh Prajapati who has designed a fridge that costs Rs 2500, is made
out of clay and runs without electricity. This innovation has made it possible
for even people in rural India have access to cool water and the option to
store fruit and vegetables for three days. In India, such examples of human
ingenuity are part of common folklore. I have seen carts fixed with diesel
engines and people call them ‘Jugaads’.
The material in the book is
thoroughly referenced and well structured. Each chapter begins with an
inspirational quote and ends with takeaways, things to measure, things to do,
and experiments to conduct. The concluding chapter ties all the material
together. Innovation is driven by curiosity and creativity. It is an iterative
process involving risk taking along with the risk assessment and mitigation.
Filled with engaging stories of
resourceful Jugaad innovators and entrepreneurs in emerging markets and the
United States, the book is a resourceful guide to help readers unlock the value
of principles of Jugaad Innovation in enabling innovation. It is must read for
Entrepreneurs. Overall, I loved the book and its examples of human creativity.
It takes examples from developed and developing nations. Jugaad is practiced by
almost all Indians in their daily lives to make the most of what they have.
1 comment:
Thanks Vivek.
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