Inclusive Innovation.

Context

Innovation ecosystems often focus on the interests of the relatively well off in society, with the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities. A prime example of this is Silicon Valley, a tech hub of global standard that is also labelled as a bastion of inequality, with its homeless population exploding in recent years.

Initial research revealed that there is no commonly established definition of 'inclusive innovation'. There are however different interpretations on 'who' to include in the innovation process and 'how'.

Our research question deals with how might we reimagine innovation ecosystems so they contribute to the welfare of excluded, disadvantaged & marginalized groups?

Process

We chose Lebanon as a case study given that it is currently at a pivotal moment of its history and inclusive economic growth is now more critical than ever. We undertook a collaborative approach to analyzing Lebanon's innovation ecosystem and recommending adapted interventions. We interviewed multiple stakeholders in Lebanon as well as experts in inclusive innovation during the discovery and early recommendation phase.

Research Contribution

We developed a working definition of inclusive innovation that goes beyond the limitations of existing definitions.

"Inclusive innovation is innovation such that the structures, processes and products of innovation transcend social, economic, regional and sectoral boundaries."

We augmented the MIT REAP framework with an innovation lens. We recommend considering 'Civil Society' as an additionl stakeholder in innovation ecosystems. We have seen examples of civil society mobilizing and supporting innovation ecosystems particularly in times of crisis.

We also developed frameworks to prioritize innovation ecosystem interventions and to design inclusive policy and program interventions.

PPI Implementation

Concurrently to the research effort, I took on leadership roles in the MIT Lebanon Challenge and Accelerator Program. Through these roles, I encouraged the challenge to act as a platform for inclusion for Lebanon. Together with the organizing team, we established measures to promote this objective, such as ensuring broad participation and representation of all Lebanese as well as ensuring that teams work on solutions that benefit the most vulnerable.

The MIT Lebanon Challenge was the largest hackathon-style organized in Lebanon with over 1000 applicants from 50+ countries. We were able to attract more than 60 partners to help teams on their journey to impact. And we are currently supporting 25 teams to build out their ventures and prepare them for fundraising.

Future Work

Beyond the initial case study, further research is required to establish a broader case for inclusive innovation. We see opportunities to pilot and examine the results of inclusive program and policy interventions across multiple geographies and contexts in order to improve and build upon the frameworks we presented. This would contribute to the body of knowledge examining the links between innovation ecosystems and inclusive economic growth.

If you are interested in the full paper on inclusive innovation case study Lebanon, shoot me an email at mmurad@mit.edu.