Bricolage in environmental entrepreneurship: How environmental innovators “make do” at the bottom of the pyramid

Abstract

Previous studies have discussed extensively the development of business solutions in resource-constrained environments. However, understanding how local entrepreneurs engaged in environmental innovation can overcome resource constraints at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) remains an under-researched area. Under the theoretical framework of bricolage, this study thus adopts a cross-sector multiple case study approach to provide empirical evidence on how social and environmental entrepreneurs in Kenya design low-cost solutions to environmental problems and for people at the BOP. The study considers environmental bricolage as a method of innovation ingenuity for social-environmental entrepreneurs. Network, marketing, waste material, and skills and knowledge bricolage are identified as mechanisms for addressing resource challenges by social and environmental entrepreneurs when creating low-cost and superior-value solutions at the BOP. The study further highlights the critical role of boundary-spanning organizations, the government, external knowledge, and technology.