Towards a path-transformative heuristic in inclusive innovation initiatives: an exploratory case in rural communities in Colombia

Abstract

This study contributes to a better understanding of the transformative process towards inclusive innovation from the perspective of three literature branches, inclusive innovation, institutional entrepreneurship and path dependence. Based on these literature branches, we ensemble a heuristic to assess the role of Institutional Entrepreneurs in fostering Inclusive Innovation initiatives supported by National Entities in local communities. To assess the heuristic and answer the beforehand question, we used an exploratory case at the municipality of Cumbal, in Nariño (Colombia). Through secondary information analysis and preliminary fieldwork observations, we demonstrate usefulness of the heuristic to unfold the transformative process in local communities. Also, we identified Institutional Entrepreneurs as change agents.